Texans WR Christian Kirk Set to Return Against Jaguars After Hamstring Injury
Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk is expected to make his season debut this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to coach DeMeco Ryans. Kirk has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, missing the first two games of the season against the Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Texans Offense Looking for a Spark
The Texans, currently sitting at 0-2, are in dire need of offensive production. Through two games, they have only managed two touchdowns and rank last in the league in points per game, averaging just 14. The team hopes that Kirk's return will provide a much-needed boost to the offense.
Pass protection has also been a significant issue. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has faced pressure on 39% of his dropbacks, ranking seventh-highest among starting quarterbacks, according to Next Gen Stats. Stroud has thrown for only one touchdown despite accumulating 395 passing yards.
Kirk's Impact and Potential Offensive Boost
The Texans are optimistic that Christian Kirk's presence on the field will help open up the offense, potentially alleviating some of the pressure on rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and drawing attention away from Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins. His return could be the key to unlocking the team's offensive potential.
A Familiar Foe
Kirk's first game back will be against his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars signed him to a four-year, $72 million deal in 2022. During his three seasons with Jacksonville, Kirk recorded 2,274 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns before being traded to the Texans in March. This game adds an extra layer of intrigue to Kirk's return.