The Houston Texans have had one of the more up-and-down starts to their NFL season, one week looking like bonafide contenders, then the next losing to a clearly inferior opponent. This inconsistent play may only become even more sporadic now as the Texans will be forced to go multiple weeks without one of their offense’s top weapons in wide receiver Will Fuller.
Fuller injured his hamstring early on in Houston’s 30-23 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, exiting the game in the first quarter after reeling in one catch for six yards. Now it’s looking like Houston could be without Fuller for some time, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the 25-year-old is expected to miss multiple weeks.
#Texans WR Will Fuller, who exited yesterday’s game early, has a rather significant hamstring pull, source said. Based on recent tests results, he’s expected to miss several weeks.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2019
This injury news has to be disheartening for the Texans, as head coach Bill O’Brien and quarterback Deshaun Watson know they need all hands on deck if they hope to turn it around. Houston’s next five games include matchups with the Ravens and Patriots along with two divisional showdowns against Jacksonville and then Indianapolis again in Week 11.
Not having someone as game-breaking as Will Fuller in your lineup for those important games will be huge, especially given how well Deshaun Watson has played early on. Fuller has actually been one of Watson’s favorite targets, which is usually the case as long as he finds a way to remain healthy and on the field.
That’s much easier said than done for Fuller though who has struggled with injury problems since coming out of Notre Dame in 2016. Fuller would miss two, six and then nine games due to injury in his first three seasons as a pro. Now, we’re unfortunately seeing the pattern carry on into his fourth season.
Fuller was off to a hot start this season too, stretching the field for Watson and the offense while Deandre Hopkins worked most of the intermediate routes. His blazing speed made him Watson’s favorite target down the field and this will certainly be something the Texans miss over the next handful of weeks. Expect recently acquired Kenny Stills to operate as the teams no. 2 receiver for the time being while Keke Coutee should also expect to be more involved from the slot.
