The Houston Texans have a potential concern heading into their Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, as rookie wide receiver Kayden McDonald was placed on the injury report. The second-year player did not participate in team practices due to an ankle issue.
McDonald’s absence was noted by reporters covering the team's preparation. According to coverage from The Houston Chronicle, he was the only player missing from the viewing portion of practice. His reduced participation stands out as the team finalizes its roster for the season opener.
The Texans selected McDonald with the 36th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He joined the franchise after helping Ohio State win the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship. Head coach DeMeco Ryans had previously praised McDonald’s development during the offseason, making his current status a notable point of discussion.
While McDonald is not currently listed as a starter on Houston’s unofficial depth chart, his availability remains uncertain. The team must monitor his ankle closely to determine if he can return to full participation before facing Buffalo.
