The Houston Texans will be without second-year wide receiver Jaylin Noel for a longer period than initially anticipated as he deals with a hamstring injury. This marks Noel's second injury during training camp, following a finger issue he sustained before the end of July.
Details regarding the specific nature of Noel's hamstring injury and the exact timeline for his recovery have not yet been disclosed. His absence is considered significant for the Texans' wide receiver corps, particularly as they look to fill the gap left by veteran Christian Kirk, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers earlier this year.
Noel, who was selected by the Texans as the 79th overall pick in the third round of the previous draft, primarily contributed as a returner last season, recording 60 total returns along with 26 receptions for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns. With the need for a new slot receiver, Noel was expected to see an increase in targets and playing time this season.
Currently, Xavier Hutchinson is positioned as the third wide receiver on the Texans' preseason depth chart, and Noel's chance to move up will be contingent on his recovery. The regular season starts in less than a month, and if Noel's hamstring injury proves severe, it could further delay his ability to contribute effectively.
Despite Noel's absence, the Texans may not face immediate concerns regarding their wide receiver depth. Players like Lewis Bond and Jared Wayne have shown promise during training camp, and the return of Tank Dell adds further depth to the roster. This situation allows the Texans to provide additional preseason opportunities to other receivers, potentially mitigating the impact of Noel's injury for now.
