Texans Have Elevated Linebacker Kenneth Murray

The Houston Texans promoted Kenneth Murray from the practice squad to the active roster this week.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Football

Texans Have Elevated Linebacker Kenneth Murray

The Houston Texans have elevated linebacker Kenneth Murray from the practice squad. Murray, a veteran first-round draft pick, joins the active roster ahead of the Week 4 matchup.

Why it matters

The addition of an experienced linebacker bolsters the team depth chart as the Texans look to strengthen their defensive rotation. His arrival brings veteran presence to the defensive unit.

Kenneth Murray enters the roster with 497 career tackles and 9.5 career sacks. During the 2025 regular season, he started 16 games and recorded 81 combined tackles.

The players

Kenneth Murray

He is an experienced professional linebacker who was drafted 23rd overall in 2020.

Houston Texans

They are a professional football team based in Houston that competes in the National Football League.

Dallas Cowboys

They are a professional football franchise based in the Dallas area that competes in the National Football League.

The details

Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 241 pounds, Murray was originally selected 23rd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He previously played for both the Los Angeles Chargers and the Dallas Cowboys before moving to the Texans.

Timeline

  1. Kenneth Murray was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

  2. Murray recorded 81 tackles and 1.0 sack throughout the 2025 season.

  3. The Houston Texans officially elevated Kenneth Murray on October 3, 2026.

  4. Kenneth Murray will turn 28 years old in November 2026.

Season Trajectory

This move integrates a veteran presence into the roster, impacting the team's depth and rotation stability. It potentially shifts the defensive dynamics for the remainder of the season as Houston navigates its divisional standing.

Murray is now available for the upcoming Week 4 game against the Dallas Cowboys. His active status could lead to increased defensive rotations during the game.

The takeaway

The elevation of an experienced veteran like Murray provides coaching staff with additional flexibility in their defensive personnel packages. Fans should watch for his usage rate in the upcoming contest to see how he integrates into the current defensive scheme.

Further reading

For more updates on the team, visit the Football section.