Texans' Blankenship Out With Concussion, Hand Surgery
Houston safety Reed Blankenship is in concussion protocol after surgery on his left hand following the Week 6 win over the Jaguars.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Football
Texans safety Reed Blankenship had surgery on his left hand after the Week 6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he suffered a concussion in the second quarter. Blankenship remains in concussion protocol heading into the Week 8 game against the LA Chargers.
Why it matters
Blankenship has been ruled out since his Week 6 concussion, and the hand surgery could extend his time away from the lineup. His availability affects Houston's secondary depth as the Texans prepare for the Chargers.
Through five games this season, Blankenship has recorded 45 tackles, three passes defended and one tackle for loss, a player profile that the Texans have relied on in their secondary. A typical concussion absence lasts one to three weeks for most players, but his return date remains unconfirmed.
The players
Reed Blankenship
Texans safety who signed a three-year contract with Houston in the offseason and has been a key member of the team's defensive backfield.
Houston Texans
Professional football franchise based in Houston that competes in the National Football League's AFC South division.
Jonathan M. Alexander
Reporter for The Houston Chronicle who reported details of Blankenship's left hand surgery.
The details
Blankenship went down with a concussion in the second quarter of the Week 6 game against Jacksonville. The Texans revealed a hand injury on their Week 7 injury report before facing the New York Giants, and Jonathan M. Alexander of The Houston Chronicle reported that he underwent surgery on his left hand.
Timeline
Week 6: Blankenship suffers a concussion in the win over the Jaguars
Week 7: Hand injury appears on the Texans injury report before the Giants game
Week 8: Texans host the LA Chargers while Blankenship remains in concussion protocol
Season Trajectory
Blankenship's absence comes under the NFL concussion protocol, which requires players to clear multiple steps before returning to play. Houston's secondary depth will be tested as the team works through the midseason stretch with its safety position in flux.
If Blankenship does not practice this week, he is not expected to play Sunday against the Chargers, which affects fantasy lineups that rely on his tackle production. Owners and bettors should track the Wednesday injury report for updates on his concussion protocol clearance.
The takeaway
Watch the Texans' injury reports through the week, since concussion protocol clearance and a hand surgery recovery can both shape Blankenship's availability for Houston's secondary. Fantasy and betting decisions should wait for official designations rather than assumptions.
What happens next
Blankenship's status for the Week 8 game against the LA Chargers will be determined by the team's practice reports and injury designations later this week.
Further reading
Follow more Houston Texans football coverage for updates on the team's injury situation.
