The Houston Texans inside linebacker corps has taken a hit to its leadership and on-field ability.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Pro Bowl inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney will undergo shoulder surgery, which will knock him out for the rest of 2020. The club is expected to place McKinney on injured reserve.
The former 2015 second-round pick from Mississippi State was unavailable for the Texans’ 30-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 at NRG Stadium. McKinney was given the questionable designation on the Friday before the AFC South showdown, but was unable to play after being a game-time decision.
McKinney’s season presumably ends with four games, all starts, and 37 combined tackles with one tackle for loss and a pass breakup.
Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney, a former Pro Bowl selection, has to undergo shoulder surgery and is out for the remainder of the season and will be placed on injured reserve, per league sources
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 12, 2020
In McKinney’s absence against the Jaguars, former 2016 undrafted free agent Tyrell Adams provided 13 combined tackles, a tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery in his lone start of the season.
“T.A., he stepped in and made some plays,” interim coach Romeo Crennel said. “So, that’s the name of this business, the next guy up. We tell them that all the time that they have to be ready when their number is called and yesterday the guys whose numbers were called, they performed well.”
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