Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Brock Bowers

Friday, September 5, 4:43 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) has been officially ruled out for the Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. As expected, Kirk won't suit up in Week 1 after missing practice this week. The hope is that Kirk can play in Week 2, but that remains uncertain as hamstring injuries have a tendency to linger. The absence of Kirk should mean that Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel have larger roles in the offense. Nico Collins remains the focal point in the passing game, but both rookies could actually have a decent usage in the season opener.

Monday, September 8, 3:53 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is considered day-to-day on Monday after he left the Week 1 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday and did not return, according to head coach Pete Carroll. Bowers also downplayed his knee injury and said there are no concerns, suggesting that he should be just fine to play in a Week 2 divisional tilt next Monday night versus the Los Angeles Chargers. The 22-year-old second year tight end could be rested once the Raiders open their practice week on Thursday, but all signs are pointing to him being available as a must-start TE this coming week. Bowers was lobbying to return to Sunday's game against the Pats, but the Raiders didn't want to take any chances with a player who has quickly become one of the best TEs in the NFL. Despite leaving early, Bowers still managed five catches on eight targets for 103 yards.