Texans WR Christian Kirk Expected to Miss Week 1 With Hamstring Injury

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713 Tee - CJ Stroud & Christian Kirk

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The Houston Texans will likely be without one of their key offseason additions when they open the 2025 season against the Los Angeles Rams. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that wide receiver Christian Kirk has a strained hamstring that is expected to sideline him for at least Sunday’s game and potentially longer. One source estimated it could be a two-week recovery, though the Texans are expected to take a cautious approach with the veteran slot receiver.

Kirk’s Career and Role With Texans

Kirk, a native of Arizona and former Texas A&M standout, was signed by Houston this offseason to bring veteran stability to the slot receiver role for quarterback C.J. Stroud. Drafted by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Kirk developed into a reliable target before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he became Trevor Lawrence’s go-to option in the middle of the field. Known for his quickness, precise routes, and ability to create separation, Kirk was viewed as an ideal fit in Houston’s offense to complement Nico Collins.

However, injuries have been a recurring part of Kirk’s career. He has missed multiple stretches of games over the years with ankle, groin, shoulder and now hamstring issues. His health was always considered a key factor in how much production the Texans could reasonably expect from him in 2025.

Texans’ Current WR Situation

The injury comes at a difficult time for Houston’s receiving corps. Local reporters have noted that Kirk and fellow slot option Braxton Berrios have both been absent from practice this week with hamstring injuries. Typically, under DeMeco Ryans, if a player does not participate in Thursday’s practice ahead of a Sunday game, they are unlikely to play. That trend suggests neither Kirk nor Berrios will suit up against the Rams.

That leaves rookie Jaylin Noel in line to start in the slot in what would be his first NFL game. Noel, a sixth-round pick out of Iowa State, impressed during the preseason with his quickness and versatility but was not initially expected to take on such a prominent role this early in the season.

Potential Roster Moves

With both Kirk and Berrios sidelined, the Texans could also consider elevating another receiver from the practice squad to provide depth. The team recently signed Silas Bolden, an undrafted rookie from Oregon State and UT, to the practice squad, and he could be a candidate to be called up.

Looking Ahead

The Texans invested in Kirk to give C.J. Stroud a proven veteran presence inside, especially in key third-down and red-zone situations. While his injury appears short term, the timing is far from ideal as Houston prepares for a Rams defense that mixes pressure looks with complex coverages. For now, all eyes will be on Jaylin Noel and whether the rookie can seize the opportunity in his NFL debut.