Houston Texans linebacker E.J. Speed will miss extended time after undergoing surgery for a quad injury sustained during spring workouts. Coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the procedure but declined to provide a timeline for Speed's return, saying only that the recovery process would determine when he's back on the field.

Speed signed a two-year contract this offseason worth up to $13 million, with $10 million guaranteed and $3 million available through incentives. The former Indianapolis Colts player joined Houston in 2025 on a one-year, $5 million deal after being selected in the fifth round of the 2019 draft from Tarleton State.

Last season, Speed appeared in all 16 games, recording 62 tackles and three tackles for loss while serving as the third linebacker alongside Pro Bowler Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o. His versatility in coverage and run support made him a valuable depth piece behind the starters.

Houston will evaluate several options to fill the void, including Jake Hansen, Jamal Hill, Marte Mapu, and rookie draft picks Wade Woodaz and Aiden Fisher. The injury creates immediate depth concerns at linebacker as the Texans prepare for organized team activities.