The Houston Texans added veteran linebacker Kenneth Murray to their practice squad Tuesday, bringing a former first-round pick back to his hometown after starting linebacker Henry To’oTo’o was placed on injured reserve, via Ian Rapoport of NFL media.

Murray, selected 23rd overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma, is a Missouri City native and Elkins High School product.

He started 83 games across six seasons with the Chargers, Tennessee Titans, and Dallas Cowboys, finishing with 497 tackles and 33 tackles for loss. Last season in Dallas he started all 16 games and posted 81 tackles.

The move followed Houston’s season-opening 36-31 loss to Buffalo. To’oTo’o, who signed a two-year, $16 million extension in August, suffered a shoulder injury with 2:34 left after being tackled by Bills tight end Dawson Knox.

He is expected to miss several weeks, at minimum through Week 6.

Murray visited the Texans on Tuesday, passed his physical and MRI, and signed to the practice squad, according to multiple reports.

He had worked out for the New York Giants in July and the Miami Dolphins in August after his contract expired in March. At 27, he gives Houston a high-floor veteran who can be elevated on game days if needed.

The linebacker room now pairs Pro Bowl veteran Azeez Al-Shaair with options including Jake Hansen, Jake Hummel, and rookies Aiden Fisher and Wade Woodaz.

Jamal Hill was elevated from the practice squad after To’oTo’o’s injury. Murray’s experience as a two-down starter is the main appeal; coverage has been a weaker part of his game, but he has been durable and available.

Houston hosts the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at NRG Stadium, then visits Indianapolis before facing the Cowboys in Week 4.

Murray’s addition is a low-risk depth play: a first-round pedigree, local ties, and six years of starting experience on a practice-squad deal while the Texans wait on To’oTo’o’s shoulder.

If he practices well, he could see snaps sooner than later.