For the first time in nearly two weeks, Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel was at practice.
No, not just watching from the sidelines as other receivers made plays, but rather at the heart of practice in the Texas heat.
The second-year wideout needs to be healthy following the season-ending loss to Jayden Higgins . Even after the trade for Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots, it's a mystery on who will take over in the No. 2 role behind Pro Bowler Nico Collins.
Noel could be that player, but before he transforms into a quality receiving threat for Nick Caley's offense, he has to get back in a ryhthm of practices.
"Jaylin's done a good job of bouncing back, getting back into the swing of things, just continuing to get reps and build up his stamina to get out there," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.
Right now, there's uncertainty at receiver. Houston signed veterans Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones following Higgins' injury. One should be considered a favorite to make the roster while the other is shown the door.
As for the rest of the room, Houston still has Xavier Hutchinson and rookie Lewis Bond. Each has flashed, but the potential upside is unknown. The same goes for Noel, but he understands that when one player goes down, the rest have to pick up where he left off.
"It's not going to be one guy that can step up and change the trajectory of where we're going to go," Noel said. "It's going to be everybody. As long as everybody does their job, we'll be in a good spot."
Texans fans are hopeful to get more of the old Noel back in 2026. While most used on special teams, Noel finished with 26 catches for 292 yards and two touchdowns. He also had three games where he finished second in targets.
That's the hope internally heading into Week 1. The confidence is there. Now it's about the reps.
"The confidence is sky high," Noel said. "I know I'm going to be able to make an impact for this offense and make the plays when they need me."
The Texans will have a joint pracitce against the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday ahead of Friday's preseason finale.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans WR Jaylin Noel back and ready to be 'the next guy' for Houston's offense
