Houston Texans
Let’s start with the Super Bowl contender Houston Texans. My question for the Texans is: Is Jayden Higgins’ replacement already on the roster?
News broke earlier this week that Jayden Higgins (WR – HOU) suffered a torn ACL in practice and will miss the entire season. With Super Bowl aspirations stronger than ever, losing the up-and-coming receiver was an unexpected hurdle. But when you look at the Texans roster, do they have the depth to make it work before making a panic move?
Star receiver Nico Collins (WR – HOU) has made a name for himself as one of the best in the NFL, with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. After losing Stefon Diggs (WR – NE) and Tank Dell (WR – HOU) to injury over the past two seasons, Houston used premium 2025 draft capital on Higgins and Jaylin Noel (WR – HOU) to fortify the room around Collins. Xavier Hutchinson (WR – HOU) started next to Collins for most of 2025 before Higgins overtook him late in the year — proof this room has real competition, not just names on a depth chart. Noel didn’t have a big rookie season as a receiver, but he proved his worth on special teams, and Dell remains a proven veteran when healthy.
The loss of Higgins hurts for fantasy, and for the Texans, but between Hutchinson (17 games played in 2025), Noel (elite return production), and Dell (a Day Two pick with real upside when right), things could be a lot worse.
Do the Texans have Higgins’ replacement on the roster? Yes.
If I had to pick one, give me Blazin’ Jaylin Noel. He made his name on special teams in 2025, but he was also a Day Two pick who ran a 4.39 at the combine — one of the fastest receivers in his class — and profiles as a polished route runner who pairs precision with explosive speed, the kind of player who turns a short slant into six.
*At the time of this writing, Noel had returned to practice after dealing with hamstring and pinkie injuries. He was being ramped up and was in no danger of missing Week 1.*
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