The Houston Texans announced Friday that third-round draft pick Jaylin Noel has been reinstated from the non-football injury list, clearing the way for his return to the active roster.
A timely boost for the Texans
Noel, 23, joined Houston after being selected 79th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, bringing a blend of receiving and special-teams versatility that the coaching staff has been eager to harness.
During his rookie campaign, he logged 26 receptions for 292 yards and two touchdowns across 17 games, while also handling punt returns and kicking duties that contributed to a total of 1,438 all-purpose yards, ranking 22nd league-wide.
The injury that sidelined him — a right pinkie issue sustained in a pre-camp workout — kept him out of action for a stretch, but his offseason conditioning and focused rehabilitation have now earned him a spot back on the field.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans praised Noel’s dedication, noting that his work ethic during the recovery period has been evident and that his return adds depth to the team’s offensive options.
Ryans emphasized that Noel’s presence will be felt both in the passing game and on special teams, where his experience returning punts and handling field goals could prove valuable as the club looks to build on recent progress.
The move is being viewed as a positive development for a Texans squad that is aiming to strengthen its competitiveness in the AFC South, with the coaching staff optimistic about the impact of a healthy Noel on upcoming matchups.