Will Fuller caught two passes for 11 yards before he left Saturday's game with a groin injury.
His game status is perpetually questionable. Fuller's missed four games with a hamstring injury and had to sit early in two other games.
The Texans offense looks entirely different with Fuller on the field.
Fuller takes the top off defenses with his speed, and coaches have also raved about his route-running and improved pass-catching.
Texans head coach Bill O'Brien seemed exasperated after Saturday's game, calling Fuller a great guy who he loves coaching but "it's hard for him to stay healthy -- that's the bottom line."
One player who stepped up for the Texans in Fuller's absence Saturday is DeAndre Carter, an undrafted fifth-year player who doubles up as the Texans' return specialist.
At just 5 feet, 8 inches and 190 pounds, Carter is someone the Texans may have to rely on more. With Fuller's injuries, it's difficult to know whether he will be ready to play.
Slot receiver Keke Coutee has been used sparingly this season, between injuries and underwhelming performances. Coutee was inactive for Saturday's game against the Bucs, and O'Brien would not say whether he'd play Sunday against the Titans.
Carter, though, is expected to be available. His 31-yard catch against the Bucs put the Texans in position for the game-deciding field goal in the fourth quarter.
"It meant a lot. I work my [butt> off. I work hard," Carter said after the game. "To be able to be put in the position to make a play like that for the team, it’s a blessing from God. To be able to be ready when my number is called, I pride myself on that. Deshaun having confidence in me, coach having the confidence in me to put me out there in that situation, I don’t take it for granted."
O'Brien said Monday Carter stepped up when the team had to adjust. When Fuller went out, "it just is what it is," O'Brien said.
"That’s what the team asked of me," Carter added. "... Being able to come in and play any position, any spot at receiver, kick-returner, punt returner, that’s my job. That’s my role. I take great pride in it. When the team needs me to come in and make a play, I pride myself on being able to do that."