The Houston Texans are reeling on the injury front, and the uncertainty around fourth-year defensive end Dylan Horton has officially turned into bad news.
Horton exited practice early on Monday, requiring assistance off the field.
#Texans veteran defensive end Dylan Horton is feared to have suffered a torn Achilles today at practice after being helped off the field, per league sources. Tough blow for former Ed Block Courage award winner, lymphoma survivor,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on August 24, noting the team is navigating several “short-term injuries” as well.
“Horton, a former fourth-round pick from TCU, has played in 39 career games with 55 tackles, a half sack, forced fumble and one fumble recovery.”
The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander confirmed the tear a short while later.
The Texans selected Horton 109th overall.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke must now reshuffle the deck once again.
Texans DE Dylan Horton Suffers Torn Achilles: Report
GettyDylan Horton suffered an apparent injury during Texans practice.
Horton had increased his participation in each season since entering the league. He logged 10 appearances as a rookie and 13 in 2024. Horton then logged a career-best to this point of 16 games during the 2025 regular season.
He has also contributed in four postseason contests for the Texans over the past two years.
However, Horton now faces a lengthy and arduous journey back to the football field. The injury and situation are both difficult for the Texans. It is potentially devastating for him.
Horton and fellow reserve Solomon Byrd have already been put on notice by Texans, who signed a four veterans this offseason–Ali Gaye, Dominique Robinson, Jadeveon Clowney, and Logan Hall–during the various stages of free agency.
As of Monday, Clowney, Horton, and Robinson were all battling injuries.
That is in addition to their other injury-marred positions, running back and wide receiver, while they have also lost a quarterback–Graham Mertz–for the season.
The Texans have brought in several new faces, further stressing a coaching staff that is looking to get this group over the hump in the Divisional Playoffs. But that is a long way to go, and they have to hope they are healthy enough to capitalize when the time comes.
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