Texans expect Will Fuller back for season opener against Saints

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Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) makes a catch during a drill at training camp at the Methodist Training Center on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Houston.

>>>See which players remain available during the 2019 offseason ... less Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) makes a catch during a drill at training camp at the Methodist Training Center on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Houston. PHOTOS: NFL's best available free agents

Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) makes a catch during a drill at training camp at the Methodist Training Center on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Houston. Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) makes a catch during a drill at training camp at the Methodist Training Center on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in Houston. ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 80 Caption Close Texans expect Will Fuller back for season opener against Saints 1 / 80 Back to Gallery

When the Texans open the regular season against the New Orleans Saints, they expect speedy wide receiver Will Fuller to be on the field running routes.

Fuller is rehabbing from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last season against the Miami Dolphins.

"Everything's going well with Will," Texans general manager Brian Gaine said Thursday. "I won't speak to specifics, but I anticipate when we kick off versus New Orleans, he'll be ready to go. He'll be at full speed by then. I'm sure through the preseason, we'll be smart and efficient with him as it relates to getting him right. Everything has gone well.

"There's been no setbacks, been very positive. Everything's trending in the right direction. He's been here the whole offseason. He's looking good – mind, spirit, body – everything's going well for Will and we're excited about seeing him get back on the field."

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Fuller is one of the most dangerous deep threats in the league.

In the 11 games he's played with quarterback Deshaun Watson, Fuller has caught 11 touchdown passes.

The major caveat attached to the former Notre Dame star is his tendency to get hurt. The former first-round draft pick from Notre Dame finished last season with 32 receptions for 503 yards and four touchdowns.

Much of the Texans' hopes for a dynamic offense are built around the hope that they could get a healthy season out of Fuller and Keke Coutee working in tandem with All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

“I know he’s doing well," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said at the NFL scouting combine. "He’s been in Houston the whole offseason. He’s working hard. Can’t say enough about Will. Will’s frustrated that he hasn’t been able to be on the field.

"I think when he has been on the field, he has made a huge difference for our team. He’s a touchdown-maker. He’s working hard to get back to that point. He’s been in there every day."

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