McDonald (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Titans.
McDonald logged full practice sessions Thursday and Friday and was subsequently activated from injured reserve Saturday. After carrying a questionable designation, the rookie second-round pick now has the green light to suit up for his NFL regular-season debut in Week 5.
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Texans' Kayden McDonald: Activated from IR
Rotowire
The Texans activated McDonald (ankle) from injured reserve Saturday, though he's still questionable to play against the Titans on Sunday.
McDonald ended Week 5 prep with consecutive full practices, which was enough for the Texans to remove the rookie second-rounder from injured reserve. Although he's still listed as questionable, the fact that McDonald is no longer on IR puts him on track to make his NFL debut against Tennessee on Sunday.
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Texans' Kayden McDonald: Practices in full Thursday
Rotowire
McDonald (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.
The Texans designated McDonald for return from injured reserve Wednesday, opening his 21-day window to be activated to the 53-man roster. While the rookie isn't a lock to suit up Sunday versus the Titans, he's heading in a positive direction toward making his NFL debut after missing the first four games of the 2026 campaign.
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Texans' Kayden McDonald: Returns to practice Wednesday
Rotowire
McDonald (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday.
McDonald is currently on injured reserve, but his return to practice, even in a limited capacity, suggests he could be back before the close of the 21-day window. The 21-year-old is coming off a quality final season with the Buckeyes, amassing 65 total tackles (31 solo), one pass defended and 3.0 sacks.
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Texans' Kayden McDonald: Lands on injured reserve
Rotowire
The Texans placed McDonald (ankle) on injured reserve Friday.
McDonald was limited in practice Wednesday and missed practice Thursday, suggesting he suffered the injury in practice this week. He'll now be required to miss at least the first four games of the season. Logan Hall, Mario Edwards and Jaden Crumedy will see the rotational snaps at defensive tackle behind Tommy Togiai and Sheldon Rankins.
