Texans WR Christian Kirk (hamstring) is out for Monday night's game vs. the Seahawks. He seemingly injured his hamstring on Friday and did not practice on Saturday. This could very well turn into a multi-game absence. Kirk's absence will mean more snaps and target opportunities for WRs Xavier Hutchinson, Jayden Higgins, and Jaylin Noel.
2025 Fantasy Football Impact
Here's how routes and targets broke down behind WR Nico Collins with Kirk out for the first two games of this season:
- Xavier Hutchinson: 71% routes, 5 targets (9.8% share)
- Jayden Higgins: 41% routes, 4 targets (7.8%)
- Jaylin Noel: 36% routes, 2 targets (3.9%)
Justin Watson registered a 50% route rate over those two games but is now on IR.
It's possible that rookies Higgins and Noel are ready for bigger roles coming off the bye week, but they can't be trusted in Week 7 fantasy lineups. They are, however, worth stashing if you have a bench spot to play with.
TE Dalton Schultz could also see an extra target or two with Kirk out. Of course, the passing game will continue to flow through WR Nico Collins.