Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans reacts during the third quarter of a 2025 AFC divisional round game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Houston Texans looked to find a viable replacement for Tank Dell, who will likely miss most of the 2025 season. The front office acquired Christian Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars, hoping he could return to his 2022 form, where he had his best statistical season and led their rivals to the playoffs. Kirk hauled in 84 receptions on 133 targets for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 regular-season games, plus 15 receptions on 28 targets for 130 yards and two touchdowns in two postseason games.
Houston Texans’ newcomer has struggled to stay healthy since 2023
Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) tackles Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) who can’t hang on to a pass and was apparently injured on the play and had to leave the game during the fourth quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Packers edged the Jaguars 30-27 on a last-second field goal. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]Christian Kirk has struggled to stay healthy over the past two seasons, missing 14 of 34 regular-season games. He missed the final five games of 2023 with a core muscle injury that required surgery and the final nine games of 2024 with a broken collarbone. Had he stayed healthy, Kirk was on pace to have 81 receptions for 1,115 yards and four touchdowns in 2023 and 57 receptions for 805 yards and two touchdowns in 2024.
Houston Texans’ new weapon shares a major injury update
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) signals a first down during the third quarter an NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Tennessee Titans 34-14. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]Christian Kirk made his practice debut on the first day of OTAs last Wednesday. During Tuesday’s press conference, via Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk, he provided a major injury update on his recovery. Kirk said that although injuries are out of his control and an unfortunate part of the game, he feels great and has gotten faster and stronger since joining the team.
“That has been the unfortunate part about the past two years, there are injuries that are the unfortunate fate of football and out of my control,” Kirk said, via Simmons. “But right now, I feel great. Being here, I have gotten stronger and faster since I have gotten here. I just feel really good and feel healthy. I am just looking forward to building through that throughout the offseason.”
The head coach is excited about their new weapon
Mar 31, 2025; Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans answers questions from the media during the NFL Annual League Meeting at The Breakers. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
“I love Christian,” DeMeco Ryans said, via Charean Williams. “His speed is the one thing that jumps out about him. He’s a fast player. He’s made a lot of nice plays in the slot, running the deep routes in the slot or it’s the option routes of winning on third down. So, I’m excited to see what he brings on third down. I think he can really open up a lot of options for us on third down, especially from the inside position. I think he’ll be a friendly target for C.J. [Stroud].
“I’m excited to work with [Kirk]. He’s about the work. He’s excited to come in and compete and help us reach our goals.”
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