The Houston Texans have had to rely on kicker Joey Slye as Ka’imi Fairbairn works back from a groin injury sustained at the end of preseason.
Special teams coordinator Frank Ross says that if Fairbairn is able to go against the Buffalo Bills Sunday in Week 4, they will not hold back in what Fairbairn is able to do.
“I don’t think you’re going to put a player out there that can’t perform to the best of his abilities on any phases or role being asked,” said Ross. “If he’s going to go out there and be our kicker on Sunday, he’s going to be ready to kick whatever his range is. If he can kick from 75 out, we’ll kick from 75 out. We expect him to be at full capacity if he’s out there being our kicker on Sunday.”
According to Ross, Fairbairn has continued to work off to the side and be the “consummate professional” as the club worked with Slye, who they released Thursday to make room for a possible Fairbairn return.
Ross says that Fairbairn had a good day of practice Wednesday.
Said Ross: “Good set yesterday. Looked good, felt good after and was able to push through his leg and cut it loose, not hold anything back and again not feeling sore after. Feeling good at this point with him.”
The last time Fairbairn faced the Bills was the 2019 AFC wild-card when he booted a 27-yard field goal to give Houston a 22-19 win in overtime at NRG Stadium.