The Houston Texans entered the 2025 season hoping to build momentum with a revamped offense. But after Monday night’s disappointing loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the team now finds itself at 2–4.
Three of those four defeats came when star wide receiver Christian Kirk was sidelined, raising concerns as the Texans prepare for a challenging Week 8 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Will Christian Kirk Play in Week 8?
Injuries have become a recurring issue for Kirk over the past couple of seasons. The 28-year-old managed just eight games in 2024 after suffering a broken collarbone and just 12 games in 2023 due to a core muscle injury (initially thought of as a groin injury).
Kirk has shown that he can shoulder a solid workload in the slot when healthy. In his last full season, which came for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, he snagged 84 catches for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns.
Kirk, who was traded to the Texans this offseason, initially suffered a hamstring injury leading up to the Texans’ season opener. He missed the first two games, and while he did return in Week 3, his target share was limited. Over three games, he was targeted just 16 times.
The Texans were on a bye in Week 6, and when Week 7 practices began, Kirk was absent. He returned to practice on Friday but re-aggravated his hamstring and missed Saturday’s session, ultimately being ruled out for the game.
Kirk is now listed as questionable for Week 8 against the 49ers, and the Texans will likely evaluate his status on a day-to-day basis. Given his injury history and the emergence of other receivers, Houston is expected to be cautious about rushing his return, as a second hamstring tweak is never something to take lightly.
If Kirk is able to return to practice on Wednesday, even if in a limited way, and continues to participate in the following days, he will likely be cleared to play, though his target share will probably remain limited.
In his absence, Nico Collins has stepped up impressively, hauling in 26 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns. Dalton Schultz and Xavier Hutchinson are the next two productive receivers for Houston, with 284 and 123 receiving yards, respectively, but the offense has failed to click overall, ranking 23rd in PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric.
The offensive line has been leaky, constantly forcing C.J. Stroud to play under duress. New offensive coordinator Nick Caley hasn’t found his rhythm either, with play-calling that feels predictable and conservative.
Red zone struggles and an overall lack of creativity have left Houston fans shaking their heads. Stroud, who was sharp as a rookie, has looked unsettled, taking too many sacks (15) and missing throws he usually makes.
Kirk’s availability will be a key factor for the Texans as they aim to rebound from a rocky start. While his recurring hamstring injury raises concerns, there is cautious optimism that he could return to practice midweek and suit up against the 49ers. Fans will be watching Wednesday’s practice reports closely, as Kirk’s presence could provide a much-needed spark to Houston’s struggling offense.