E.J. Speed - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Moved to reserve/PUP list Speed (quadriceps) was moved to the reserve/PUP list by the Texans on Sunday.

Impact Speed suffered a torn quadriceps tendon while lifting weights in May, and he underwent surgery to repair the injury. The linebacker is expected to miss the entirety of the 2026 season, and in his absence, Jake Hansen (ankle) and Henry To'oTo'o are set to operate as the team's primary outside linebackers.

AUGUST 31 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play in 2026 Speed will miss the entire 2026 season due to a torn quadriceps tendon, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Impact Speed underwent surgery over the offseason after scans revealed a total tear rather than a partial tear. He opened training camp on the active/PUP list with the hope that he would be available to play at some point in the regular season, but the injury is severe enough for Speed to miss the entire 2026 season. He'll shift his focus toward being fully healthy for the 2027 campaign.

AUGUST 23 • ROTOWIRE

Looking at extended absence Speed (quadriceps) remains without a firm timetable for return and is looking at an extended absence, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Impact Speed suffered a partial tear to his quad while lifting weights back in May and was placed on the active/PUP list Tuesday. By the sounds of it, Speed could open the regular season on reserve/PUP, which would cost him at least the first four games of 2026. Speed inked a two-year, $10 million deal with Houston over the offseason.

JULY 29 • ROTOWIRE

On PUP to start training camp Speed (quadriceps) will begin training camp on the Texans' active/PUP list, per the team's official site.

Impact Speed suffered a partial tear to his quadriceps and quad tendon while lifting weights back in May, and as training camp starts up, he's still not ready to return to football activities. In his stead, rookie fourth-rounder Wade Woodaz could get some practice reps with the first-team defense.

JULY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Texans must find an answer fast after devastating E.J. Speed news The Houston Texans must consider their options after news that linebacker E.J. Speed is officially out for the season.

JUNE 2 • TOROTIMES.COM

What E.J. Speed's Season-Ending Injury Means for Texans Moving Forward E.J. Speed is reportedly out for the year. Here's what's next for the Texans.

JUNE 2 • SI.COM

Texans Sign Familiar Face at LB Following E.J. Speed's Injury The Texans made a pair of signings ahead of OTAs––one of them to help shore up their LB depth.

MAY 26 • SI.COM

New Intel Surfaces on E.J. Speed's Injury Ahead of Texans OTAs The Texans will be without one of their key depth pieces in the linebacker room for some time.

MAY 25 • SI.COM

E.J. Speed injury could be precursor for nightmare scenario for Texans Houston's defense was mostly healthy in 2025, but not starting off so well in 2026.

MAY 23 • TOROTIMES.COM

Needs surgery for quad injury Speed partially tore his quadriceps and quad tendon during training and will have surgery next week, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Impact Per Wilson, Speed was injured while lifting weights. He's expected to need at least three months after surgery before he can begin rehab, so it's almost certain that the veteran linebacker will miss a significant portion of the upcoming season, though the expectation is that he'll be able to return at some point during the campaign. Speed started nine of the 16 regular-season games in which he played for Houston last season and also was a contributor on special teams. Jake Hansen (chest), Jamal Hill, Marte Mapu and Jake Hummel along with rookie draft picks Wade Woodaz and Aiden Fisher are candidates to get significant defensive snaps in Speed's absence.

MAY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Texans veteran LB to miss time following off season injury There is unfortunate news for the Houston Texans and their fans. Houston linebacker E.J. Speed is expected to miss some time this season.

MAY 22 • TOROTIMES.COM

Staying in Houston Speed and the Texans agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract Saturday that includes $7.5 million guaranteed, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Impact Speed joined the Texans on a one-year deal in March of 2025 after spending the first six years of his NFL career with the Colts. His new deal Saturday includes a $4 million signing bonus and ensures that he'll stick around in Houston for the foreseeable future. Speed finished the 2025 regular season with 62 tackles (33 solo) and one pass defense over 16 games, which broke his streak of 100-tackle seasons at two.

MARCH 7 • ROTOWIRE

Reduced role in Houston Speed recorded 62 tackles (33 solo) and one pass defensed over 16 regular-season games in 2025.

Impact Speed's first season in Houston looked nothing like the trend he established in his final two years with Indianapolis, for whom he posted 102 and 142 tackles in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Houston's top-ranked defense operated mostly out of the nickel, which naturally limits at least one linebacker. Defensive back Jalen Pitre, who brings the physicality of a linebacker, gave the Texans more flexibility at the expense of Speed's playing time. The linebacker played 50 percent or fewer of the defensive snaps in 10 of 16 games. He'll become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.

JANUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Clears injury designation Speed (knee) has no injury designation heading into Sunday's matchup against the Raiders.

Impact Speed upgraded to full participation in practice Friday and is now ready to go Sunday against the Raiders after missing Week 15 with an ankle injury. The 30-year-old has 47 tackles (28 solo) and one pass breakup in 13 games this season.

DECEMBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Upgrades to limited practice Speed (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Impact Speed sat out Wednesday's practice entirely after having missed Week 15 versus Arizona. His return to practice Thursday, even as a limited participant, bodes well for his odds of gaining clearance for Sunday's game against the Raiders. To return Week 16, however, Speed may have to prove he can handle full practice reps Friday.

DECEMBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Doesn't practice Wednesday Speed (knee) did not participate at practice Wednesday.

Impact Speed was sidelined in Week 15 versus the Cardinals because of a knee injury, and now he's in danger of missing a second straight game. If he can't get back on the practice field Thursday or Friday, he'll likely miss Sunday's game versus the Raiders.

DECEMBER 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Not playing Week 15 Speed (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Impact Speed was able to practice all week in a limited capacity, but his knee injury is severe enough for him to miss Sunday's contest. Jake Hansen, Christian Harris and Jamal Hill are all candidates to see more snaps at linebacker in Speed's absence.

DECEMBER 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Sunday Speed (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Impact Speed managed to be a limited participant in all practices this week, a positive sign for the linebacker's playing chances. The 30-year-old has not missed a game this season, but if he is not healthy enough to be cleared for Sunday, Jamal Hill and Jake Hansen will likely see increased snaps at outside linebacker for the Texans' defense.

DECEMBER 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Seven tackles in Week 12 win Speed recorded seven tackles (three solo) in the Texans' win over the Bills on Thursday night.

Impact Speed played just 47 percent of the defensive snaps and 16 snaps on special teams, and he matched his season-high with the seven tackles against Buffalo. On the season, Speed has played 43 percent of the defensive snaps and 55 percent of the downs on special teams. He's produced 43 tackles (26 solo) and one pass breakups across 11 appearances.

NOVEMBER 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Logs seven stops vs. Seahawks Speed tallied seven total tackles (six solo) during Monday night's 27-19 loss to the Seahawks.

Impact Speed played a season-high 44 defensive snaps in Houston's Week 7 loss. The 30-year-old linebacker has now tallied 23 total tackles in his first six games as a Texan, contributing both defensively (116 snaps) and on special teams (93 snaps). He's expected to remain one of Houston's top linebackers in the Week 8 matchup against the 49ers.

OCTOBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

E.J. Speed's hit-stick tackle reverberates throughout NRG Stadium Houston Texans linebacker E.J. Speed smacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Kameron Johnson on the kick return.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 • NFL.COM

10 things to know about Texans linebacker E.J. Speed He was a Texan in college, and now he's a Texan in the NFL. Meet Fort Worth native and Houston Texans linebacker E.J. Speed.

APRIL 8, 2025 • HOUSTONTEXANS.COM

'That will be lit': Former Indianapolis Colts linebacker says he can't wait to play against them E.J. Speed played six seasons for the Indianapolis Colts, compiling 354 tackles, including 142 in the 2024 season.

MARCH 31, 2025 • INDYSTAR.COM

Remaining in AFC South Speed and the Texans have agreed upon a one-year, $5 million contract, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports.

Impact Speed had a breakthrough season statistically in 2024, tallying career-high marks with 142 tackles and five defensed passes (including one interception) over 15 regular-season contests with the Colts. However, his overall PFF grade of 56.7 ranked just 134th among NFL linebackers due largely to a poor grade in pass coverage. Speed has also worked on special teams throughout his career and will likely be part of that unit while also providing depth at linebacker for the Texans. His role on defense could be magnified if Christian Harris, who played in only three regular-season games in 2024 due to a calf injury, or Azeez Al-Shaair, who logged just 11 regular-season appearances, have any trouble staying on the field again.

MARCH 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

2025 Free Agent Preview: E.J. Speed View some of the best photos from Colts linebacker E.J. Speed's 2024 season.

MARCH 8, 2025 • COLTS.COM

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