Questionable
Injury Quadriceps
Est. Return 9/13/2026
2025 Defense Stats
TCKL
62
SACKS
0.0
INT
0
FF
0
TD
0
2026 Projections
RANKS
#
IDP
Signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Texans in March of 2026.
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.
ANALYSIS
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.
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.
NFL Stats
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2025 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
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2025 E.J. Speed Split Stats
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
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Speed, coming off consecutive seasons with 100-plus tackles, had a few suitors during free agency. Ultimately, the lure of playing in his home state and for a well-respected former linebacker, DeMeco Ryans, brought him to Houston. Speed recorded 142 tackles, five passes defensed and one interception in 15 starts for the Colts last season. The second level of Houston's defense is teeming with talent, as Speed joins Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To'oTo'o and Christian Harris.
More Fantasy News
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.
ANALYSIS
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Reduced role in Houston
Speed recorded 62 tackles (33 solo) and one pass defensed over 16 regular-season games in 2025.
ANALYSIS
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Clears injury designation
Speed (knee) has no injury designation heading into Sunday's matchup against the Raiders.
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Upgrades to limited practice
Speed (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
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Doesn't practice Wednesday
Speed (knee) did not participate at practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
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