Texans expect Christian Kirk, Braxton Berrios back for Jaguars game

HOUSTON – The Texans are getting reinforcements at wide receiver.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Tuesday that Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios are expected back for a road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars after missing the first two games due to hamstring strains.

Kirk is the Texans’ No. 2 wide receiver behind Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins and had established himself enough with his route-running skills and hands that teammates called him a “slot magician.”

Acquired in a trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kirk was brought into provide a reliable receiving presence in tandem with Collins. His $15.5 million base salary was restructured into a $14 million signing bonus for salary cap purposes to create $12 million in savings with the addition of void years for signing bonus amortization.

Kirk was limited to 25 catches for 320 yards and a touchdown last season in eight games after breaking his collarbone. He has caught 404 career passes for 5,176 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Berrios caught a touchdown in a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. He’s a former All-Pro selection who has 134 career catches for 1,323 yards and six touchdowns with 3,289 return yards and four rushing touchdowns.

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com