Woodaz is expected to make his first career NFL start in Week 4 versus Dallas, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
After being selected in the fourth round of April's NFL draft, Woodaz played exclusively on special teams Weeks 1 and 2. He then logged his first 17 defensive snaps last Sunday versus Indianapolis, finishing with one tackle. Woodaz will now be thrust into a much more significant role as a starting linebacker in Week 4 due to Azeez Al-Shaair being sidelined with a groin injury.
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Texans' Wade Woodaz: Manages full practice Wednesday
Rotowire
Woodaz (thumb) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.
Woodaz broke his thumb during the Texans' preseason game at Las Vegas in August, but it doesn't look like that will keep him out in Week 1 versus the Bills. The rookie fourth-rounder projects to start his career in a rotational role at linebacker.
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Texans' Wade Woodaz: Expected back for Week 1
Rotowire
Woodaz (thumb) is expected to be ready for the Texans' regular-season opener Sunday, Sept. 13 against the Bills, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Woodaz suffered a broken thumb last Thursday against the Raiders and underwent surgery Monday. The rookie linebacker should be ready for Week 1, but it's possible he plays with the thumb heavily taped or in some sort of cast. Woodaz is expected to act as Azeez Al-Shaair's top backup but could also see snaps alongside him and Henry To'oTo'o at linebacker while contributing on special teams.
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Texans' Wade Woodaz: Undergoing thumb surgery
Rotowire
Woodaz is scheduled to undergo surgery Monday to repair a broken thumb, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Woodaz sustained the injury during the Texans' 22-20 preseason win over the Raiders on Thursday. His return timeline will be determined following Monday's procedure, but the rookie fourth-rounder is a candidate to open the 2026 regular season on injured reserve.
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Texans' Wade Woodaz: Diagnosed with broken thumb
Rotowire
Woodaz broke his thumb in Thursday night's preseason win over the Raiders, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Woodaz remains day-to-day with the issue. The linebacker will likely look to get back onto the field with a cast as soon as possible. Woodaz had the biggest splash play of Thursday's win, picking off Fernando Mendoza for an 80-yard score. The fourth-round rookie has strong momentum headed into the regular season, where he is expected to be the primary depth option at middle linebacker behind Azeez Al-Shaair.
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Texans' Wade Woodaz: Day-to-day with thumb injury
Rotowire
Woodaz (thumb) is considered day-to-day, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Woodaz was the hero of Thursday night's 22-20 preseason victory over the Raiders. The fourth-round rookie snagged an 80-yard pick-six against 2026 first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Woodaz hurt his thumb at some point during the game, but he should return to form shortly as he attempts to win a backup middle-linebacker role in a stacked Texans defense.
