Kirksey (hamstring) announced Thursday that he has decided to retire from the NFL, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kirksey, who was on Buffalo's practice squad, will hang up the cleats after nine seasons in the NFL. The 2014 third-round pick played for the Browns from 2014-19 and also spent time with the Packers and Texans. To fill his spot, the Bills are signing A.J. Klein to the practice squad.

Kirskey (hamstring) signed with the Bills' practice squad Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Kirskey was unable to secure a spot on the Texans' 53-man roster following training camp. He was hampered by a hamstring injury for the majority of camp, which may have played a factor in that decision. The veteran tackle collector has a lengthy history of IDP value, so he could become valuable as the season progresses should the Bills get thinned out at linebacker.

The Texans are releasing Kirksey (hamstring) on Monday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kirksey has a lengthy history of IDP value, including last season when he piled up 124 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions as a 17-game starter for Houston. His release isn't a total shock, as the Texans have decent linebacker depth and stand to save at least a few million dollars with the move. Kirksey turns 31 on Thursday and should get calls from other teams soon enough.

Kirksey (hamstring) is expected to be sidelined for a couple weeks, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

EDGE Analysis

It looks like the Texans are going to err on the side of caution with their starting outside linebacker in order to avoid a lingering issue heading into the season. In Kirksey's absence, Henry To'oTo'o has been receiving first-team reps. Barring any setbacks, it looks like he should still be on track for Week 1.

Kirksey has been sidelined the last few days due to a hamstring injury, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Houston reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kirksey has been replaced by rookie Henry To'oTo'o on the first-team defense. Kirksey is expected to return as the Texans' starting middle linebacker.

Kirksey had five tackles, an interception and one pass defensed in a 32-31 win over Indianapolis in Week 18.

EDGE Analysis

Kirksey rewarded the organization that signed him to a two-year deal prior to the season with his first triple-digit tackle count in nine NFL seasons. His 124 stops ranked third on the team. Kirksey also recorded two interceptions and a recovered fumble. The starting middle linebacker should return in 2023, although there could be changes to the defensive alignment with a new coaching regime.

Kirksey recorded six tackles (all solo) in Saturday's 19-14 victory against the Titans.

EDGE Analysis

Kirksey finished tied for second on Houston in tackles, though his six stops were his fewest since Week 8. The veteran linebacker has racked up 113 tackles on the campaign, his most since he totaled 138 stops for Cleveland in 2017.

Kirksey logged 11 tackles (nine solo), including one sack, in Sunday's 30-24 overtime loss to the Chiefs.

EDGE Analysis

Kirksey set a new season high in tackles for the second week in a row, posting a combined 21 tackles over this span. The 30-year-old middle linebacker also increased his season sack total to three, and he'll need just one more sack to post a new career high in this category. Kirksey has taken on a massively productive role in Houston's leaky defense this season, so he'll likely play a major factor in the team's attempt to slow down Titans running back Derrick Henry in Week 16.

Kirksey recorded 10 tackles (five solo) and one pass defensed during Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

Kirksey was one of two Houston players to never leave the field when the team was on defense this past weekend against Dallas, while he also logged a season high 10 stops in the contest. The veteran linebacker has now racked up 96 tackles so far this season, and he'll now look to keep his productivity on the rise when the Texans host the Chiefs on Sunday.

Kirksey compiled seven tackles (five solo) during Sunday's 27-14 loss to the Browns.

EDGE Analysis

Kirksey finished with Texans' second-most tackles behind rookie safety Jalen Pitre, who posted a career-high 16 tackles. The veteran linebacker has now posted at least seven tackles in all but two of Houston's 12 games, and he's also played all of the team's defensive snaps over the last four weeks. Kirksey should have plenty of opportunities to increase his tackle total against the Cowboys' prolific rushing offense Week 14.