The Houston Texans could use all the speed they could get when facing the Buffalo Bills’ talented pass defense.
Though they have that in receivers DeAndre Hopkins, Kenny Stills and DeAndre Carter, they would like a bit more. They can get that with injured wide receiver Will Fuller.
Fuller, who sustained a groin injury in Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is presumed to be out of the playoffs. Early reports indicated that he would not play for three weeks. However, that may not be the case, as the Texans see progress with his recovery.
“I think he’s progressing and we’ll know better as the week goes on,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said of Fuller on Monday. “I wouldn’t be able to tell you that right now but I would say he’s headed in a good direction, but we’ll have to see as the week goes on.”
Fuller either did not finish or did not play seven games in the 2019 regular season. Though a game-changer for the Texans’ offense with his precision route-runner and speed, he’s unreliable due to his health.
The Notre Dame product dealt with hamstring injuries before suffering the groin one against the Buccaneers. Despite so, he had a career-year in 2019, tallying 49 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns. The Texans are 7-2 in games that he starts and finishes.
If he plays, Houston will be at an advantage. Deshaun Watson is a better quarterback when he has Fuller’s speed on the field, as it allows him to take advantage of his deep-ball accuracy and aggressiveness. The Bills could be in trouble if No. 15 trots onto the field on Saturday.
If he doesn’t, the Texans have a plan in place. Stills will take over the No. 2 receiver duties alongside Hopkins. Carter will play a slot role while Keke Coutee and Steven Mitchell project as backups.