The Houston Texans placed rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald on injured reserve Friday due to an ankle injury, meaning his NFL debut will have to wait at least four weeks.
McDonald, a second-round pick out of Ohio State, wasn't slated to start but was expected to be part of the defensive tackle rotation because of his run-stopping ability. Listed at 326 pounds at the combine, he is built to handle constant double-teams.
At Ohio State, McDonald earned first-team All-America and Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year honors.
Houston's first four games will be against the Bills, the Bengals, the Colts and the Cowboys.