Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Mecole Hardman

Thursday, September 18, 5:23 PM

Houston Texans wide receivers Christian Kirk (hamstring) and Braxton Berrios (hamstring) were both limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Kirk and Berrios both missed the first two weeks of the season with their hamstring injuries, but they are both expected to make their season debuts this Sunday against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. The 28-year-old Kirk is expected to operate as Houston's starting slot receiver when he's healthy, although he'll make for a pretty risky flex option for fantasy managers if he makes his team debut this weekend. Kirk's return will take a lot of attention away from stud WR1 Nico Collins, though, for a Texans offense that has not impressed early on. Rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel will have a harder time contributing with Kirk in the fold.

Tuesday, August 26, 1:11 PM

The Green Bay Packers are releasing wide receiver Mecole Hardman on Tuesday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Despite the Packers dealing with multiple injuries to their receiving corps in training camp, the Packers will move on from Hardman, who was looking to secure a depth role with the Packers after spending the first six years of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. In his six NFL seasons, the 27-year-old pass-catcher has caught 178 of hi 258 targets for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns in 80 regular-season games (28 starts). Hardman also has plenty of special-teams experience and should be able to find work with another team for his versatility and speed during the 2025 season. Last year in 12 regular-season games (no starts) with KC, Hardman caught just 12 passe for 90 yards and no scores.