Houston Texans wide receiver KeKe Coutee isn't expected to play in the team's Week 1 matchup against the New Orleans Saints on ESPN's “Monday Night Football.” On the probability of Coutee playing, coach Bill O'Brien responded by saying on Tuesday:

“No, I'm not hopeful for that. But stranger things have happened. We'll see.”

Stranger things have happened, such as the show, Andrew Luck's retirement, or the New Orleans Pelicans landing the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. But, the Texans don't want to push the limits with Coutee's latest injury — an ankle suffered against the Green Bay Packers in preseason Week 1.

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Coutee's unfortunate series of injuries is a surprising turn of events, considering that at Texas Tech, he was Scot Free from most injury reports. In 2018, his rookie season, Coutee suffered from a lingering hamstring issue that kept him out of the lineup for long periods.

The former Red Raider missed ten games in 2018. Nonetheless, his game spawned a release of then-incumbent starting slot receiver Bruce Ellington. The electric slot receiver recorded 28 receptions (68.3% catch rate) for 287 yards and a score. He proved to be the Indianapolis Colts' kryptonite, as in the two games (including playoffs) he faced them he tallied at least 105 yards.

In the meantime, the Texans appear primed to enter 2019 with DeAndre Carter as their starting slot receiver. Though known for his returning prowess, the receiver has made progress in training camp; showing his speed and improved route-running as a potential mismatch. But, the Texans must be getting giddy of a receiving trio of Coutee, DeAndre Hopkins, and Will Fuller.