Ka'imi Fairbairn Injury Update
Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn is dealing with a right quadriceps injury that kept him out of Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The injury happened during the Texans' 18-15 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 9. Fairbairn made five of six field goal attempts in that game and scored all of Houston's points.
Ka'imi Fairbairn Status
Fairbairn missed all practice sessions leading up to the Jacksonville game. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Wednesday that he did not expect the kicker to be available for Week 10.
The Texans officially ruled him out for Sunday's matchup.
The Replacement
Matthew Wright took over kicking duties for Week 10. The Texans signed him to the practice squad on November 4 as insurance when Fairbairn's injury status became uncertain.
Wright was elevated to the active roster on Saturday before the game. He made his only field goal attempt and his lone extra point in the Texans' 36-29 win over Jacksonville.
What's Next
Fairbairn is targeting a return for Week 11 when the Texans face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, November 16.
Reports indicate the injury is not considered long term. Wright will continue as the starting kicker if Fairbairn is not cleared to play against Tennessee.
Ka'imi Fairbairn Season Performance
Before the injury, Fairbairn had been one of the NFL's busiest kickers this season. He leads all NFL kickers with 25 field goal attempts through eight games.
The 31-year-old has made 22 of 25 field goal attempts this season for an 88 percent success rate. He's also converted all 12 extra point attempts. His longest kick this season was from 57 yards.
Fairbairn has been with Houston since 2017 after signing as an undrafted free agent from UCLA. He signed a contract extension with the team in March 2024.
The Texans' offense ranks last in the NFL in converting red zone appearances into touchdowns. That creates more field goal opportunities for whoever handles kicking duties.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is based on the most recent reports and official team updates. Injury statuses and player availability are subject to change. For the latest news, refer to official Houston Texans sources and team updates.
