Sources — Texans’ Kirk seemingly out Week 1, probably longer

HOUSTON — Texans wideout Christian Kirk has a strained hamstring that’s anticipated to sideline him for at the least Sunday’s opener in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams and could possibly be longer, sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday.

It could possibly be a two-week harm for Kirk, one supply stated, however the Texans will probably be “cautious” with him. Wideout Nico Collins suffered a hamstring harm in Week 5 in opposition to the Buffalo Payments final season and missed the subsequent 5 video games.

Kirk was anticipated to be the No. 2 vast 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 might 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 begin — and is predicted to fill that void.

Different situations might embody Collins taking reps within the slot, which opens alternatives for Higgins on the skin together with Xavier Hutchinson on the other aspect after they go to three-receiver units.

After Week 1, the Texans host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Monday Night time Soccer” then journey to face the Jaguars in Week 3.