Ramping back up at practice
Noel (hamstring/finger) returned to practice this week, and the plan is to get him ramped back up to full speed over the next couple weeks, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Noel missed a couple weeks of action with a pulled hamstring and pinkie finger issue, but he's now suddenly in the spotlight in a big way in Houston after it was reported that Jayden Higgins suffered a season-ending torn ACL this week. A third-round pick out of Iowa State in the 2025 Draft, Noel appeared in all 17 regular-season games as a rookie but was on the field for just 26 percent of the offensive snaps behind Nico Collins, Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson and Christian Kirk. With Higgins now out and Kirk in San Francisco, there's a big opportunity for Noel to carve out a role in two- or three-wide sets. When on the field in 2025, Noel was productive, turning 35 regular-season targets into 26 catches for 292 yards (11.2 yards per catch) and a pair of touchdowns.
More Houston Texans Fantasy Football News
Jaylin Noel
Added work following Higgins injury?
With Jayden Higgins having reportedly suffered a torn ACL, Noel (hamstring/finger) is a candidate to see added work in Houston's offense this coming season, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN reports.
Xavier Hutchinson
Could fill expanded role
With Jayden Higgins having reportedly suffered a season-ending torn ACL, Hutchinson is a candidate to see added work this season behind top WR Nico Collins, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
C.J. Stroud
Change in plans for Thursday's contest
Stroud and other starters will now be rested for Thursday's preseason game against the Raiders, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Jayden Higgins
Suffers torn ACL at practice
Higgins was diagnosed Wednesday with an ACL tear, which would rule him out for the 2026 season, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Jayden Higgins
Dealing with leg injury, should be OK
In reference to Higgins, who appeared to sustain a leg injury during Tuesday's practice, QB C.J. Stroud noted afterward, "I think he'll be fine," Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Jayden Higgins
Exits practice with potential injury
Higgins needed help getting up after he was shaken up during Tuesday's practice, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.
Jaylin Noel
Unexpectedly returns to practice Tuesday
Noel (hamstring) was spotted in full pads and a red no-contact uniform for Tuesday's practice, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Jaylin Noel
Optimism around Week 1 availability
The Texans are optimistic that Noel (hamstring/finger) will be available for the team's regular-season opener against the Bills on Sunday, Sept. 13, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Tank Dell
Working back at his own pace
Coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday that he's unsure if Dell (knee) will play during the Texans' preseason slate, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. "With Tank, he's on his own plan," Ryans noted. "Whatever that entails, geared toward what's best for Tank Dell."
Jaylin Noel
Will miss 'a few weeks' with hamstring issue
Noel recently sustained a hamstring injury that will likely keep him from practicing for "a few weeks," Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.