Houston Texans Injury News: Will Fuller “Very Long Shot” To Play Today Against Bills

When Will Fuller hurt his groin early in the game against the Bucs in Week 16, it was thought the injury would keep him out one to three weeks. That’d necessarily mean the Texans would be without Fuller’s services for the regular season finale in Week 17 and likely their Wild Card game as well, though there was some hope Fuller could beat the timetable and return in two weeks. As of this morning, on game day, it doesn’t appear that’ll happen. Both James Palmer and Aaron Wilson are reporting that it’s quite unlikely Houston’s WR2 suits up today against the Bills.

Fuller did return to practice this past week, so there was optimism he’d be able to contribute today, but groin injuries are notoriously finicky and Fuller has a rich history of soft tissue problems to boot. Even if Fuller didn’t suffer a setback in his recovery, I’m not surprised (though I’m certainly disappointed) he won’t be available to stretch the field against the Bills today. While we won’t know for sure until Inactives are announced about ninety minutes before kickoff, all signs point to DeAndre Hopkins and Kenny Stills being Deshaun Watson’s primary receiving options this afternoon at NRG Stadium.

Does Fuller’s absence change what you believe the outcome of today’s Wild Card tilt will be?

UPDATE: No need to wait for Inactives. Aaron Wilson is reporting Will Fuller will not play today. This could mean Keke Coutee gets a temporary reprieve from Bill O’Brien’s doghouse.