Former Pitt WR Injured in Texans Preseason Opener

PITTSBURGH -- Former Pitt Panthers receiver Jared Wayne was off to a good start in his first career NFL game when his Houston Texans visited the New England Patriots for their preseason opener, but the night was quickly derailed.

Wayne, who signed with the Texans as an undrafted free agent after leaving Pitt this spring, was running with the second-team offense and even recorded his first catch - a 19-yard reception over the middle of the field - before suffering a hamstring injury. He avoided a major injury, but the grade two strain will keep him out for two weeks, according to a report from Aaron Wilson of KCRP2 in Houston.

#Texans rookie wide receiver Jared Wayne suffered a Grade 2 strained hamstring, per a league source, avoiding major injury. Recovery time projected at two weeks @KPRC2 Texans added wide receiver Adam Humphries today after Saturday workout
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 13, 2023

Wayne's final season at Pitt was his best, when he caught 60 passes, for 1,062 yards and five touchdowns before declaring for the NFL Draft. He flew under the radar during the draft process but turned some heads with impressive numbers in the 40-yard dash and vertical leap at his Pro Day.

Scouts with the Texans clearly took notice and had seen enough between his film and in-person scouting to feel comfortable taking a flier on Pitt's leading receiver from a year ago. So far, he's proven their scouting correct. The coaching staff has been impressed with him during camp so far.

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