Heading into this season, the Houston Texans focused on fixing their offensive line and bringing in depth at the wide receiver position. Double-dipping at wide receiver in the draft was a reasonable outcome considering the injury status of Tank Dell and the departures of Stefon Diggs and Robert Woods. Heading into camp, the team loaded up at wide receiver, adding Christian Kirk, Braxton Berrios, and drafting both Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
The unit appeared to be in great shape heading into Week 1, and then came injury news. Both Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios are dealing with hamstring injuries. Berrios' injury may impact special teams, but won't impact the offense that much. The Kirk injury could be a significant blow to the offense as he's officially listed as a starting receiver.
Texans Will Benefit from Deep WR Room After Latest Injury
Last year, through the tumult of the injuries to the receiving unit, the one consistent was Xavier Hutchinson. Hutchinson shows on the depth chart as Kirk's backup and his familiarity with the Texans offense should put him in line for some action if Kirk is hampered by his hamstring injury.
During the preseason, Hutchinson has shown significant development. He finished with 12 receptions for 114 yards. He has a feel for the slot and showed progress throughout the offseason. Jonathan Alexander, of the Houston Chronicle, indicated that Hutchinson has "quickly become one of C.J. Stroud’s go-to targets and looks much improved from a season ago."
If Kirk is unable to go this week, the Texans are still in capable hands if these reports are true. While the Texans invested in Jaylin Noel in the draft, Hutchinson has a better chance of making an immediate impact, especially in the season opener.
Noel may be the natural fit long term as he develops, but the Texans were wise to keep Hutchinson on the roster, and it looks like that move may pay off right away.