For the second time this week, the Texans placed an inside linebacker on injured reserve.
Tim Dobbins’ season is over thanks to an ankle injury. The move leaves the Texans awfully thin at the position after placing Darryl Sharpton on injured reserve earlier this week, especially since they have had a hard time replacing Brian Cushing at inside linebacker since Cushing’s own season-ending injury earlier this year. Veteran Barrett Ruud will likely be in the starting lineup for Saturday’s game against the Bengals.
Dobbins made headlines earlier this season when he was fined $30,000 for a hit on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler that left Cutler concussed during the November matchup between the teams. That game was one of six that Dobbins started this season and he ended the regular season with 43 tackles and an interception in 14 games this season. Rookie Cameron Collins has been promoted from the practice squad.
Things look a bit healthier at outside linebacker. The Texans should have Brooks Reed on Saturday after he was listed as probable with the groin injury that kept him on the sideline for four of the team’s final five games. Guard Antoine Caldwell is doubtful with a back injury while 13 other Texans are probable.