Officially, wide receiver Will Fuller is questionable to play in the Houston Texans’ divisional round bout with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. However, as the days go by, it’s becoming increasingly likely that the fourth-year receiver will play after missing the last three weeks with a groin injury.
“I think Will is trending – same as I said at the beginning of the week. I think it’s really going to be a game-time decision,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said on Friday. “I think it’s kind of like a daily process with him to see where he’s at. He passes test after test and he communicates with us on how he’s feeling. I think so far, so good, but I think it’s going to be a game-time decision.”
O’Brien dubbed Fuller as a game-time decision for Sunday’s tilt in Kansas City, meaning the latest news will break of his official designation will be 90 minutes before kickoff, which is at 2:05 p.m. CT.
Fuller suffered the groin injury in the Texans’ Week 16 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has not played since, including missing a meaningless game against the Tennessee Titans.
Fuller has struggled with his health for the entirety of his NFL career. The 2019 season is no different. He either missed or did not complete seven games in 2019.
Despite missing significant time, Fuller enjoyed a career-year in 2019, as he tallied 49 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns. His impact on Houston’s offense is profound, as his speed and precision route-running paired up DeAndre Hopkins and Kenny Stills make for a nightmare to defend.
The Texans are 7-2 in 2019 in games that Fuller starts and finishes.
If Fuller can play, he will give the Texans’ offense a much-needed edge. The Chiefs should theoretically struggle to defend an attack led by Deshaun Watson and flanked with Fuller, Hopkins and Stills.