After a head-turning effort that saw him return an interception for a touchdown, both firsts in his career, Wade Woodaz is the latest Houston Texans player battling at least a fairly significant injury, as head coach DeMeco Ryans and the team learned afterward.
“He’s dealing with a broken thumb,” Ryans told reporters on August 22. “We’ll see, you know how he progresses and when he’ll be able to get back.”
There is one week to go in the preseason, and eight days until roster cutdown day.
Texans’ Wade Woodaz Suffers Setback After Big Game
GettyWade Woodaz is dealing with a broken thumb.
Woodaz picked off Las Vegas Raiders quarterback and first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza during the Texans’ eventual 22-20 loss, returning it 80 yards for 6 points.
However, he was spotted, not in uniform but wearing a cast, at Saturday’s practice.
Woodaz finished with 2 total tackles after drawing the start against the Raiders, a role he could man when the regular season arrives amid the injury to veteran E.J. Speed, who is on the active physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
The Texans selected Woodaz, a converted safety, in the fourth round with the 123rd overall pick of the 2026 draft.
Houston’s injuries at linebacker have already forced several roster changes.
Linebacker the New Safety for Texans
GettySione Takitaki’s tenure with the Texans was short-lived due to injury.
Whereas Woodaz converted to safety, the Texans’ injury woes have largely shifted (on defense) from safety to linebacker.
Ryans and the Texans cycled through multiple safeties during the 2025 regular season.
They addressed that issue, signing Reed Blankenship away from the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency this offseason. Of course, the Texans acquired another Eagles Super Bowl champion ahead of the 2025 season in C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who did not make it to Week 4 in Houston.
This year’s linebacker issues have claimed one starter, multiple backups, and even a free agent replacement in Sione Takitaki.
The Texans still have nine days remaining in training camp.
There are 22 days until Week 1 and the regular-season opener against the Bills, giving the Texans a decent runway to get as healthy as possible. However, that is also more time for unfortunate developments, of which the Texans must be wary.
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