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DJ Bien-Aime
HOUSTON — Texans wideout Christian Kirk has a strained hamstring that’s anticipated to sideline him for no less than Sunday’s opener towards the Los Angeles Rams and may very well be longer, sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday.
It may very well be a two-week damage for Kirk, one supply mentioned, however the Texans shall be “cautious” with him. Wideout Nico Collins suffered a hamstring damage in Week 5 towards the Buffalo Payments final season and missed the subsequent 5 video games.
Kirk was anticipated to be the No. 2 extensive receiver to Collins after Houston acquired Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars in March. He has struggled to remain wholesome the previous two seasons, lacking 14 video games due to season-ending accidents.
His absence may damage the Texans’ offense, as Kirk emerged as a security blanket for quarterback C.J. Stroud all through coaching camp. Now, Houston will depend on rookie wideouts Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins.
Noel performs primarily within the slot — the place Kirk was anticipated to start out — and is anticipated to fill that void.
Different situations may embrace Collins taking reps within the slot, which opens alternatives for Higgins on the skin together with Xavier Hutchinson on the alternative facet once they go to three-receiver units.
After Week 1, the Texans host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Monday Evening Soccer” then journey to face the Jaguars in Week 3.