Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (concussion) put in a full practice on Friday and is probable for this weekend's game against the Bucs.  It looks like Houston expects him to be receive full clearance.  As long as that's the case, Hopkins will be a WR1 in a plus matchup.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (concussion) remained sidelined on Thursday but is making progress.  "He's going through the concussion protocol but from what I'm told he's looking pretty good," HC Bill O'Brien said.  Consider Hopkins 50-50 to be cleared in time for Sunday's game against the Bucs.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins was held out of Wednesday's practice with a concussion.  It's the 1st we've heard of the head injury, which leaves him iffy for this weekend's game against the Bucs.  If Hopkins can't go, Cecil Shorts and Nate Washington would serve as Houston's top 2 WRs.

The Texans have signed WR Cecil Shorts to a 2-year deal.  The 27-year-old looked like a rising star back in 2012, when he posted a 55-979-7 line in 14 games.  His numbers have declined the past 2 seasons, though, as Shorts has dealt with crappy QB play and hamstring and groin injuries.  He has the inside track to the #2 WR job in Houston.  But QB questions and a run-first offense will limit his upside.  If this is all the Texans add at WR this offseason, DeAndre Hopkins is set up to be a target monster.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins revealed that he underwent wrist surgery shortly after the 2014 season.  It's unclear when he injured the wrist, but it did appear on the Week 17 injury report.  Hopkins had a pin and rod inserted to repair a torn ligament.  The hardware was removed this weekend, and Hopkins expects to be back to "regular activities" within the next couple of weeks.  The wrist shouldn't be an issue in 2015.  Hopkins posted a 76-1,210-6 line in his 2nd NFL season, finishing 14th among WRs in PPR points despite the Texans ranking 24th in passing offense.  He's capable of even more with better QB play.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) is active for today’s game against the Ravens. He didn’t practice all week and won’t be at 100%. That, plus Houston’s shaky QB situation, makes Hopkins a risky WR3 for Week 16.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) didn’t practice all week and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Ravens. He’ll be a game-time call, and it’s tough to believe he’ll be anywhere near 100% if he plays. That, plus Houston’s shaky QB situation, makes Hopkins a risky WR3 for Week 16.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins has missed the first 2 days of practice this week with an ankle injury.  HC Bill O'Brien considers him "day-to-day" and a game-time decision for Sunday's tilt with the Ravens.  We're expecting Hopkins to play, but the ankle injury and QB concerns make him a risky WR3 for Week 16.

The Texans will sign QB Case Keenum, according to insider John McClain.  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick broke his leg in yesterday's loss to the Colts, and QB Tom Savage suffered a knee injury that might keep him out the final 2 weeks.  Keenum started 8 games for Houston last year, completing 54.2% of his passes with 9 TDs and 6 INTs. He was with the team this offseason, so he has some familiarity with the offense.  Keenum looks like the favorite to start against the Ravens this weekend.  He's not a fantasy option, but he's serviceable enough to keep WRs DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Johnson (assuming he's cleared from his concussion) in starter territory.

Texans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is done for the season with a broken leg suffered in Sunday's game against the Colts. He was replaced by QB Tom Savage, who injured his knee near the end of the contest. He’s scheduled for an MRI on Monday. If Savage can’t play next week, Houston would be left with QB Thad Lewis. Regardless of which guy is under center, it's a concern for WRs DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Johnson. Expect tons of RB Arian Foster against the Ravens and Jaguars.

Texans.com's John Harris believes WR DeAndre Hopkins is "ready for the next step."  He's reportedly "starred" in training camp.  We're high on Hopkins' long-term outlook, but his true breakout might not come until 2015.  Houston will be a run-first offense this season, WR Andre Johnson will still be the clear #1 target and the QB play figures to be mediocre.  Consider Hopkins just a low-end WR3 in 2014 fantasy drafts.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins admits that it's been a challenge trying to learn a new offense for the 2nd straight offseason.  “It’s not been easy; I’m not going to lie,” Hopkins said. “It’s a new playbook, you have to refocus, you have to do everything you did your rookie year all over again, but I feel like I know how to prepare better than last year, just going out and learning from Andre (Johnson) and doing things like that, and I feel like I’m becoming a better player overall."  Between the new offense and Houston's shaky QB play, Hopkins might still be a year away from a breakout.  But we remain high on his long-term outlook.  He's a nice trade target in dynasty leagues.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Texans have reached a deal with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.  He ranked 17th in fantasy points per game as a Titan last season while starting 9 games and playing in 2 others.  That included 5 games of 20+ points.  Fitzpatrick also delivered plenty of starter-worthy weeks in Buffalo.  He won't be a target in fantasy football drafts this summer, but he's capable of useful numbers if Houston opens the season with Fitz under center.  Look for the veteran to provide a cushion in case the Texans don't land a rookie ready to start right away.

The Texans have tabbed Bill O'Brien as their new HC.  O'Brien spent the past 2 years at Penn State, where he led the Nittany Lions to a 15-9 record -- impressive considering all the sanctions after the Jerry Sandusky fiasco.  Before arriving at Penn State, O'Brien spent the previous 5 years as an assistant under Bill Belichick in New England.  O'Brien is regarded as one of the best young offensive minds in the game.  We like the hire for guys like Arian Foster, Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins was benched for part of Sunday's loss to the Raiders.  “Bottom line, DeAndre made a lot of mistakes early in the game, so we gave another guy a chance to play," HC Gary Kubiak said.  Hopkins finished with season lows in catches (1) and yards (7).  The rookie has a bright future but isn't a reliable fantasy option this season.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins has been medically cleared from his preseason concussion and will play in the team's Monday night season-opener.  Hopkins will step right in as the #2 WR.  But after missing the past couple weeks -- and with Andre Johnson hogging targets -- the rookie isn't a recommended Week 1 fantasy starter.  He's more of a bye-week option.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins remains in "phase 1" of the league's 5-phase concussion protocol.  He sustained the head injury 4 days ago.  The rookie is fully expected to be clear before Week 1, but recovery from a concussion can be unpredictable.  Hopkins' status is worth monitoring over the next couple weeks.  He's capable of WR3 production this season.

Texans HC Gary Kubiak revealed after Saturday night's game that WR DeAndre Hopkins has been diagnosed with a concussion.  "He's fine," Kubiak said.  "Obviously, we'll put him through the protocol."  Hopkins will need to pass his baseline tests before returning to the field.  It's a minor obstacle for the rookie, but he'll move right back into the starting lineup as soon as he's medically cleared.  Hopkins remains a nice bench stash for your fantasy squad.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins left Saturday night's preseason game with what's being deemed a head injury.  That means Hopkins will be tested for a concussion, but it doesn't necessarily mean he sustained one (as we were reminded by with Doug Martin last night).  We'll update Hopkins' status when we learn more.

Texans HC Gary Kubiak says WR DeAndre Hopkins will be a "big part" of the offense this season.  "My expectations for him are tremendous. That’s why we drafted him. That’s why we put him in the position we put him in very quickly," Kubiak said.  "He’ll make us better and boy is he working toward doing that. He’s been exceptional.”  Kubiak went on to praise Hopkins' hands and physicality: "All the contested stuff is what he’s exceptional at. When it’s close and it’s him and another guy, he makes a play because he’s got big strong hands and he’s a very physical player."  Hopkins has impressed all onlookers this offseason.  We love his long-term upside.  But on Houston's run-heavy offense with WR Andre Johnson hogging targets, Hopkins will likely fall short of starter's fantasy value in 2013.