Andre Johnson Injury: Updates on Texans WR's Week 15 Status and Fantasy Value

The Houston Texans have won the AFC South for the first time in franchise history, which is a remarkable accomplishment considering they didn't have star wide receiver Andre Johnson for most of the year. 

They've never played in the playoffs before, but now they finally get to taste what it feels like. The Texans are also hopeful Johnson will be able to join them on the field during these happy times. 

Johnson missed six games in a row this year, then injured his hamstring. He sat out Sunday's division clinching come from behind victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, and his return is questionable.

Check back here all week as we keep you updated on Johnson's health moving forward, and whether or not he'll be able to play in Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers. 

UPDATE: Friday, Dec. 16 at 3:30 p.m. EDT by Nicholas Goss

Andre Johnson will not play Sunday for the Texans despite running very well Friday, according to head coach Gary Kubiak, via the team's official Twitter account.

This is a smart move, there's no reason for the Texans to risk Johnson when the team has already secured a playoff spot. 

UPDATE: Thursday, Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m. EDT by Tim Keeney

Andre Johnson's outlook is looking awfully bleak for this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Usually with a hamstring problem you want the player to practice before playing, and that's apparently not happening.

According to Nick Scurfield on Twitter, Johnson is a ways away. 

Fantasy owners should start looking at replacement options right now.

UPDATE: Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m. EDT by Mike Chiari

At this early juncture of the week it is very difficult to say whether Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson will be able to play against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday while nursing a hamstring injury. Head coach Gary Kubiak is unsure of Johnson's status as well, but believes getting him on the field Sunday is essential, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

"

If I could, I’d have Andre playing in this game, Kubiak said. I think he needs to play, but we’re going to be smart with it. We need to get him on the field, though.

"

A much clearer picture with regards to Johnson's availability will be painted later in the week provided he does or doesn't practice. This puts fantasy owners in a precarious position as the playoffs are in full swing in most leagues. If Johnson starts, then you almost have to start him, but it certainly comes with risks.

UPDATE: Monday, Dec. 12 at 12:27 p.m. ET 

Johnson missed another game Sunday, but there is hope he will return in Week 15. The talented receiver told reporters on Friday that he's vying to be back. 

"

I knew I wouldn't be able to play [Week 14], so that's pretty much it. You work your butt off to get back after missing six games and then to have something like this to happen again is very frustrating. But at the same time, the team's in a great position and I'm just trying to do everything I can to get back.

"

He can try all he wants, but the Texans are going to be very cautious with their star player. Since Houston has the division locked up and will play in the postseason, I wouldn't be surprised if Johnson didn't play again in the regular season. 

Johnson could return in the final game of the year just to get some in game action before the playoffs, but there really is no need for Houston to risk it. The Texans need Johnson much more in the postseason, so there's no need to rush his return. 

NFL writer Chris Wesseling tweeted some amazing information about the Texans' top stars. 

Houston has definitely benefited from the Indianapolis Colts having a down year without Peyton Manning, but they've still had to overcome a lot of adversity. 

Down to their third string QB, the Texans are still winning games over good teams, which is great sign for the postseason. It's also another reason Johnson doesn't need to return in Week 15. Let him rest up and get healthy for postseason play.

As for fantasy football, Johnson's injuries have forced him to be a non-factor all year, and I don't think he'll see another start this year, so go ahead and drop him to pick up other talent for your league's playoffs.