McKinney out
Inside linebacker to have surgery on his shoulder
Texans linebacker Benardrick McKinney out for year.
The Texans have lost starting inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney for the remainder of the season, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
Tests revealed that McKinney needs to undergo shoulder surgery, and he will be placed on injured reserve.
With McKinney done for the year, the Texans will lean heavily on inside linebacker Zach Cunningham to fill the void with the loss of an experienced runstopper.
The Texans were encouraged by how Tyrell Adams performed in place of McKinney on Sunday during his first start of the season. Adams recorded a career-high 13 tackles, including one for a loss, during a 30-14 win over Jacksonville.
“He stepped in and made some plays,” Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel said Monday morning. “So, that’s the name of this business, the next guy up.”
The Texans also signed veteran linebacker Kyle Emanuel from the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly. They also signed former Rice and Seattle Seahawks inside linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee to the practice squad.
Emanuel, 29, retired last year before restarting his career this season. He visited the Texans during training camp. Emanuel has 147 career tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and one touchdown. He has primarily played outside linebacker in 4-3 alignments.
McKinney, who ranks second on the team behind Cunningham with 37 tack
les, is one of the biggest linebackers in the NFL at 6foot-4, 257 pounds. He has 530 career tackles, 35 for losses, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, 11½ sacks and one interception, including 101 tackles last season.
Playing under a fiveyear, $50 million contract, McKinney has no more guaranteed money in his deal after this season.
Adams (6-2, 230) is a former undrafted free agent from Division II West Georgia. On Sunday, he recovered teammate Whitney Mercilus’ fumble in the fourth quarter.
“Honestly, man, it’s a blessing,” said Adams, who started twice last season with McKinney sidelined and had 13 tackles and one forced fumble. “I couldn’t enjoy it any better. I’m just thankful for it. I just try to put my best foot forward.
“It felt good, man. It felt good to be around the guys and contribute to a team win. That’s the biggest thing was believing in each other and trusting each other. I took it on my back. I wanted to play up to expectations.”
Following an 0-4 start and coach and general manager Bill O’Brien being
fired, Adams said the Texans are determined to play hard for Crennel and try to turn things around.
“I think it’s a big testament to this team, to stay grounded,” Adams said. “With what’s been going on, we stayed close to each other and kept believing in each other.
“We appreciate RAC (Romeo Anthony Crennel) believing in us. He reminds us that he believes in us. We take on the responsibility to step up.”