Texans News
[the_ad id=”105842″]With wide receivers Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios sidelined by hamstring injuries, rookie Jaylin Noel is in line for a larger role as the Houston Texans prepare for Sunday’s Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson reported that Noel “figures heavily into the replacement plan” if Kirk is unable to go. A third-round draft pick out of Iowa State, Noel is regarded as a true slot receiver with 4.39-second speed and reliable hands. He posted over 1,000 receiving yards in his final college season and has drawn praise for his quick adjustment to the professional level.
While fellow rookie Jayden Higgins also brings size and potential, Wilson noted that Noel may be the more natural fit for immediate snaps in Houston’s passing attack. The Texans have Nico Collins locked in as the top target, but uncertainty behind him leaves opportunities for Noel, Higgins, and Xavier Hutchinson to contribute.
Kirk was expected to step into the WR2 role after joining Houston in the offseason, yet his hamstring issue has disrupted that plan. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has not ruled Kirk out for Sunday, but his availability remains in question. Berrios, meanwhile, continues to work through his own hamstring injury and appears unlikely to play. If Kirk sits, Noel could be thrust into meaningful snaps in his NFL debut against a Rams defense that has retooled but still relies heavily on youth in the secondary. His speed and short-area quickness give Houston an option to keep drives alive, especially on third down.
DFS Players looking for low-cost daily plays are keeping a close eye on Noel’s status. If Kirk remains sidelined, Noel’s skill set and projected workload could make him one of the weekend’s more intriguing sleeper options.
He may get a bump in our Week 1 Fantasy Rankings if Kirk can’t go.
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