Texans inside linebacker Dylan Cole has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
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The injury will end his season and will require surgery to repair the damage to his right knee.
Cole was helped off the field by trainers during a 20-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night.
The injury to Cole represents a big loss to the Texans' defense and special teams.
Cole is an athletic, versatile player who is the top backup to inside linebackers Benardrick McKinney and Zach Cunningham.