The Houston Texans play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 at SoFi Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The team has been preparing for their regular-season opener throughout the week and will continue to hold practices through Friday. One competition to monitor on Sunday is the Rams’ underrated secondary vs. the Texans’ talented receiving corps.
Unfortunately, one of the newer receivers sustained a concerning soft-tissue injury a few days ago.
Houston Texans’ slot WR dealing with hamstring injury
Houston Texans, Christian Kirk
Jul 23, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Christian Kirk recently suffered a strained hamstring, resulting in him missing Wednesday and Thursday’s practice. Since hamstrings are soft tissue that can linger, the Texans must play it safe with him to avoid the risk of aggravation, especially since it’s the start of the season. Kirk has battled injuries over the past two seasons, missing five games in 2023 due to a core muscle injury and nine games in 2024 with a broken collarbone.
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Houston Texans, Christian Kirk
Jul 23, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
According to Adam Schefter, the Texans are expected to rule Christian Kirk out on Friday against the Los Angeles Rams and potentially longer. The team estimates his hamstring injury to be a two-week ordeal, and he may not be available for Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Monday night. The medical staff will proceed with caution.
Texans WR Christian Kirk has a strained hamstring that is expected to sideline him for at least Sunday’s opener vs. the Rams and possibly longer, per sources. One source estimated it to be a two-week injury for Kirk, but the Texans will be “cautious” with him. pic.twitter.com/2nkyFGUhI8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 4, 2025
Who replaces him in the slot?
Houston Texans, Jaylin Noel
Jul 24, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (82) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The plan is for Jaylin Noel to handle slot duties in Week 1 and beyond. The rookie third-round pick had an impressive training camp, receiving reps with both the first-team and second-team offense while displaying his route-running ability, speed, and catch radius, among others. Noel hauled in three receptions for 18 yards across three preseason games.
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