Texans WR Jaylin Noel returns to practice, but what is his role for 2026?
· Yahoo Sports
While the Houston Texans added back in another playmaker, give it time before you see him running padded drills.
Wide receiver Jaylin Noel was cleared off the NFI list early Friday morning after missing the first week of training camp. While at practice in a helmet, he one participated in participated in individual drills.
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Earlier this offseason, Noel suffered a hand injury that required further inspection. Texans general manager Nick Caserio said that the former third-round pick out of Iowa State could be limited for several weeks to begin camp, but that the injury wasn't expected to translate over to the regular season.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans didn't put a timeline on when Noel would be fully cleared, but any chance to return to practice is a welcome thought.
“It's great seeing ‘J-Noel’ back out on the field," Ryans said. "He's been working hard at it all offseason. It's good to have him back out playing football with us.”
DeMeco Ryans on Jaylin Noel:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) August 7, 2026
“He’s getting more comfortable with what we’re asking him to do & what will be the defined role for him. How do we carve out that role to where he’s doing that one thing & doing it really well. I thought he did a great job when we asked him to go… pic.twitter.com/jsVrqlNs1M
Noel was expected to compete for first-team reps in the slot after a promising finish to his rookie campaign. He'll now be competing with both rookie Lewis Bond and veteran Tank Dell for playing time.
Last season, Noel had 26 catches for 292 yards in his rookie campaign. He mostly found success in the return game, averaging 10.8 yards per punt return with a career-long 53-yard return in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He also averaged 27.6 yards per kickoff return.
What will be Noel's role in the offense? Ryans said that while right now there's nothing defined, there's a plan for him to be more than a returner.
Still, his return game was promising, so expect him to remain a top option there.
"I'm excited to see him to continue to build on his punt return and also finding that role on offense, like how can we find a way to get the ball in his hands multiple times a game." Ryans said.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans WR Jaylin Noel returns to practice, but what is his role for 2026?