The Houston Texans are trending in the right direction, specifically when it comes to former third-round draft pick and second-year wide receiver Jaylin Noel.
Noel was among the players the Texans placed on an injured list at the start of training camp.
As a rookie, he took over the team’s kick return duties. And while he could certainly reprise that role, Noel is expected to have a larger presence in the Texans’ offense. Of course, he can not be impactful at all while on the sidelines, making Friday’s news a cause for celebration.
Texans Get Jaylin Noel Back From NFI List
GettyJaylin Noel is back at Texans practice after a stint on the NFI list.
“WR Jaylin Noel has been activated from the Non-Football Injury list,” the Texans announced with a post on X on August 7.
Noel, who turns 24 in September, was the 79th overall pick of the 2025 draft. He joined Jayden Higgins as the first pair of wideouts from the same team, both drafted to the Texans in franchise history.
Noel finished his rookie season with 26 receptions for 292 yards and 2 touchdowns.
He added 799 yards on 29 kick returns and another 335 yards on 31 punt returns for the Texans as a rookie.
Noel and Higgins figure to round out the Texans’ three-receiver sets alongside two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins. It will be interesting to see how Tank Dell fits into the offense. Moreover, whether he and Noel ultimately canabalize each other’s production is worth monitoring.
The Houston Cyclones
GettyThe Texans have an affinity for Iowa State Cyclones.
The Texans roster more former Iowa State Cyclones than any other team in the league. That has earned them the nickname the “Houston Cyclones.
Their decision to keep Higgins and Noel together was rare, and actually a triple-down.
“This is the first time since 1974 (Ike Harris and Willie Jones) that Iowa State has had two wide receivers picked in the same draft,” Iowa State notes in Noel’s profile. “Noel is the third Cyclone to be selected by the Houston Texans.
“WR Xavier Hutchinson was the selected by the Texans (2023 – No. 205 – 6th round) in 2023 and WR Jayden Higgins (2025 – No. 34 – 2nd Round) was drafted by the Texans in this draft.”
The Texans were not done either.
This offseason, the Texans traded for running back David Montgomery. That was after showing interest in Breece Hall of the New York Jets. They also signed linebacker Jake Hummel and undrafted rookie James Neal III in free agency.
All but James have clear paths to spots on the Texans’ 53-man roster. The Texans do not have to set their 53-player roster until August 30.
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