Brandin Cooks likely to play for Texans vs. Chiefs in opener

Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks (quad) is listed as questionable, but he looks likely to play Thursday night against the Chiefs.

After he dealt with a quad injury during training camp, the Houston Texans listed wide receiver Brandin Cooks as questionable for Thursday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. But according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, there is optimism Cooks will play in the season opener.

Earlier Thursday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Cooks has improved over the last 24 hours but is a “true game-time decision.”

In their effort to replace DeAndre Hopkins’ production, the Texans acquired Cooks from the Los Angeles Rams. He’s coming off a disappointing season (42 catches for 583 yards and two touchdowns), where he suffered his fifth known concussion as a pro, and he’s missed time in camp pointed to the possibility of a slow start for him this year.

How much will Brandin Cooks actually play?

It’s not a huge revelation, but Aaron Reiss of The Athletic expects Cooks to be limited if he does play. Suiting him up as mostly a decoy is possible, as much as that might even be worth at the risk.

Regardless of Cooks’ status, since he’ll surely be limited anyway, Will Fuller is lined up to be the No. 1 target for Deshaun Watson Thursday night. Kenny Stills is in line for an uptick in snaps as an outside receiver if Cooks is out or limited, and down the depth chart, Keke Coutee and rookie Isaiah Coulter may see more action than they ordinarily would. And don’t forget about Randall Cobb, who should pick up extra targets if Cooks can’t go or has his snap count capped.

A pre-game workout will dictate Cooks’ availability Thursday night, and his presence would be helpful in keeping pace with the Chiefs in what could be a high-scoring game.