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The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants. Noel, a 2025 third-round draft pick out of Iowa State, sustained the damage while returning a kick, landing awkwardly after being tackled. The loss of the wideout leaves a notable void in the Houston lineup as the team heads into their bye week with a 2-5 record.
Impact on Texans receiving corps
Noel had established himself as a dynamic presence in the Texans' passing attack, leading the team with 331 receiving yards on the season. His ability to stretch the field was evident in his impressive average of 17.4 yards per reception, providing a vital secondary threat alongside Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins.
Despite the setback, the Texans have begun adjusting their roster to manage the loss. In a corresponding move on Wednesday, the team signed running back Emari Demercado to the 53-man roster. The coaching staff will now look to lean on other members of the wide receiver room to fill the production gap left by Noel’s absence.
The team does possess depth at the position, highlighted by the recent return of Tank Dell, who made his comeback in Week 7 after a lengthy 22-month recovery from a knee injury sustained in December 2024. Additionally, the Texans recently bolstered their options by trading for former No. 4 overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr. following Week 5. Both players were active in the recent loss to the Giants, with Dell leading the team in receiving yards with 43, while Harrison contributed by hauling in a touchdown pass.
