The Houston Texans are gearing up for their first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings next week. The preseason opener is a great opportunity for players on the edge of the roster bubble to make their case for a spot to begin the 2025 season. But sometimes, players don’t get the opportunity due to circumstances out of their control.
One Texans receiver had a strong start to camp derailed by injury. With the opener against the Vikings approaching, it appears he’ll be watching it from the sideline and deprived of precious snaps that could help him make the team.
Texans WR Jared Wayne Unlikely to Play Against Vikings
Texans wide receiver Jared Wayne has been dealing with a hamstring injury in the opening stages of camp and KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports the injury will keep him out of the Aug. 9 preseason opener.
Wilson adds that the former undrafted free agent from Pitt is expected to return after the opener and has improved on his ability to create separation on deeper routes. The 24-year-old also earned praise from head coach DeMeco Ryans earlier in camp as he looked to battle for a spot on the Texans roster.
Wayne spent four years with the Panthers before coming to the NFL including a breakout season where he caught 60 passes for 1,063 yards and five touchdowns. While he signed a UDFA deal with the Texans in 2023, he didn’t appear in a game until he played in three games last season.
While he had come a long way from last season, Wayne still had an uphill battle to make the roster. Nico Collins is the unquestioned starter while offseason addition Christian Kirk and rookie Jayden Higgins are also expected to start in three receiver sets. Third-round Jaylin Noel feels like a lock at this stage of camp while John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson, Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios are battling on the back end.
Wayne will have to hope none of those names break out in the preseason opener against the Vikings. While he should get an opportunity later in camp, the chances to prove himself are limited as the regular season approaches.