Texans to pick up option on injury-plagued Fuller

HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans plan on exercising the fifth-year option on wide receiver Will Fuller, general manager Brian Gaine said Friday.

The Texans took Fuller with the No. 21 pick out of Notre Dame in 2016, but the receiver has not been able to play a full season in his first three years. Because the Texans chose to exercise the option, Fuller's 2020 salary will be guaranteed for injury only until March 2019.

Fuller tore his ACL last October against the Miami Dolphins. Gaine said Fuller's rehab is "going well" and that the team expects him to play in the season opener against the New Orleans Saints.

"He'll be at full speed by then," Gaine said. "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."

In 31 career games, Fuller has 107 catches for 1,561 yards and 13 touchdowns.