Texans Place Jaylin Noel on IR After Turf-Toe; Surgery Expected

Overview

• The Texans placed wide receiver Jaylin Noel on injured reserve on Wednesday after a turf-toe injury and the team expects him to undergo surgery and miss the rest of the season.
• Noel had been Houston's breakout slot receiver this year, leading the team with 331 receiving yards while also serving as the primary punt and kickoff returner.
• Houston claimed running back Emari Demercado off waivers to fill Noel's roster spot and will reassign snaps and return duties to other players.
• The team can technically activate a player from IR after four missed games, but reporting from the Chronicle and local beat writers says Noel is not expected to return this season.
• Noel was a 2025 third-round pick whose loss further strains a receiver group that recently added Marvin Harrison Jr. and just got Tank Dell back from a long-term knee injury, a change that could alter Houston's offense and special-teams plans.