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        FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

        Christian Kirk Likely to Miss Week 1 with Strained Hamstring

        By Shane Hallam | Updated on Thu, Sep 4 2025 9:33 PM UTC
        Christian Kirk Headshot

        Texans WR Christian Kirk has a strained hamstring that likely keeps him out of the opener against the Rams for Week 1. He could be out for additional time as the Texans proceed with caution. The Texans list rookie WR Jaylin Noel as Kirk’s backup.

        What They're Saying

        Adam Schefter of ESPN: “Texans WR Christian Kirk has a strained hamstring that is expected to sideline him for at least Sunday’s opener vs. the Rams and possibly longer, per sources. One source estimated it to be a two-week injury for Kirk, but the Texans will be “cautious” with him.”

        2025 Fantasy Football Impact

        Kirk was expected to open the season as the starting slot WR for the Texans, but that will be delayed. A fractured collarbone ended his 2024 season in Week for the Jaguars last year. Now this strained hamstring will stop him from opening the season as a starter for the Texans.

        Rookie third-round WR Jaylin Noel is slated to pick up the slot snaps from Kirk. Noel was drafted alongside college teammate Jayden Higgins to bolster the Texans WR room. He has an opportunity to make an instant impact.

        This could also see a slight uptick in passes for WR Nico Collins or even showcasing Higgins a bit in Week 1.

        Waiver Wire Targets

        Noel is worth an end of the roster add in deeper leagues just in case he blows up and secures the slot role. If he is quiet, he should be an easy cut upon Kirk's return.

        Hold onto Kirk for now, but continue to monitor this injury.

        Shane Hallam Author Image
        Shane Hallam, Writer
        Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format, including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance. He led the industry in 2024 preseason Kicker Rankings and ranked second in preseason QB Rankings. He also ranked eighth in preseason IDP rankings.
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