Texans Pro Bowl LB Benardrick McKinney out for season with shoulder injury

The Houston Texans defense takes a massive hit, as Benardrick McKinney is done for the 2020 campaign

To say it’s been an eventful week for the Houston Texans is a massive understatement. Last Monday, the Texans opted to fire head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien after he reportedly lost the locker room following their 0-4 start to the NFL season. Then, the Texans managed to get victory No. 1 under interim coach Romeo Crennel at the expense of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans couldn’t enjoy the win for 24 hours, as they received some rather brutal news.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Pro Bowl inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney is undergoing surgery on his shoulder and is officially done for the season. Houston is expected to place McKinney on the injured reserve in the coming days.

McKinney’s loss a huge blow in linebacker corps

McKinney played in the first four games of the 2020 season, but was limited in practice in the days prior to their Week 5 game against the Jaguars. Ultimately, the team ruled McKinney out for the game due to the shoulder injury, and now he’s sidelined for the rest of the year.

In his four lone appearances this season, McKinney tallied 37 total tackles and one pass defensed. Additionally, McKinney allowed three receptions on seven targets for 18 yards.

This loss definitely stings for Houston, as even with his presence in the middle of the backfield, they had difficulty stopping the run. Through five weeks this season, the Texans have given up an average of 160.4 yards per game. Now, Houston is in even worse shape than they were before. Tyrell Adams started in place of McKinney on Sunday against the Vikings, where he recorded 13 total tackles and a fumble recovery in the team’s 30-14 victory.

Just when things were looking bright for the Texans, they were slapped in the face by reality a full day later. But, they’ll look to continue their winning ways in Week 6, as they face another AFC South rival in the Tennessee Titans.