Christian Kirk's Texans debut is pushed back by a strained hamstring, keeping him out of Houston's opener vs. the Rams with a two-week recovery window and a cautious approach. Nico Collins remains a steady secondary option while rookie Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel could see expanded roles, with Noel set for his first NFL start if Kirk is sidelined. Tank Dell may miss the season, prompting a WR overhaul this offseason to fortify depth behind Collins.

Houston's WR room is being stocked around Collins as the veteran presence, Noel's Iowa State ceiling (15 TDs in his last two seasons), and the potential Week 1 breakout from Higgins. Dell's injury catalyzed the retooling, underscoring a plan to weather Kirk's absence while maximizing upside from youth and reliability in Collins and Noel.