Texans expect receiver who ‘legitimately changes’ their offense to return from injury
The Houston Texans apparently got some happy news to start the week.
Wide receiver Will Fuller, who hasn’t played since injuring his groin against the Buccaneers on Dec. 21, is expected back for the Texans’ AFC Divisional playoff game Sunday against the Chiefs.
That’s according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport, who reported on Fuller during Monday’s edition of “Good Morning Football.”
“Not a household name, although probably will be this week,” Rapoport said on the network. “When he is in the game, their offense legitimately changes. A deep threat. He’s been battling a groin injury, also had a bunch of hamstring injuries during the season. From what I understand, the Texans do in fact expect him back on the field this week. Good news for their offense.”
In 11 games this season with Houston, Fuller had 49 receptions and 670 receiving yards, both second to Texans’ All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins.
Fuller, who has averaged 14.3 yards per catch during his four seasons in Houston, missed the Texans’ 22-19 overtime win over the Bills in Saturday’s AFC Wild Card game and his absence was felt.
Not having that deep threat may have been why the Texans struggled to move the ball and were shut out in the first half against Buffalo.
NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund noted that Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson completed just one pass of 10 yards or more in the opening half and had a 4.6 air yards per attempt, the lowest of his career. In the second half, Watson moved out of the slot and the offense opened up the vertical passing game.
Having Fuller back should help Watson take some deep shots against the Chiefs. When the teams played in October, Fuller was targeted nine times and made five catches. But he was held to just 44 yards receiving.
This story was originally published January 6, 2020 at 1:01 PM.
