Washington's (hamstring) status remains cloudy, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Per coach Bill O'Brien, there is a better chance that fellow wideout Cecil Shorts will return to action next week than Washington. Though we suppose that Washington's Week 6 outlook could look up in the coming days once the Texans resume practice, Friday's report makes such an outcome seem iffy.

Washington (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Colts, the Houston Chronicle reports.

The same applies to fellow wideout Cecil Shorts, which sets the stage for the likes of Keith Mumphrey, Chandler Worthy and Jaelen Strong to see added opportunities behind top wideout DeAndre Hopkins in Week 5. For those looking for a direct replacement for either Washington or Shorts, Mumphery (who had four catches this past Sunday) looks like best percentage lineup dart.

Washington (hamstring) was a non-participant at Tuesday's practice.

Cecil Shorts (shoulder) is expected to miss Thursday's game against the Colts, and Washington appears no better than questionable. Rookies Keith Mumphries and Jaelen Strong may be forced into expanded roles alongside NFL target leader DeAndre Hopkins.

Though the Texans didn't conduct a formal practice Monday, if they had, Washington (hamstring) would have been a non-participant, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Washington is viewed as day-to-day in advance of Thursday's game against the Colts, which is more than can be said of fellow wideout Cecil Shorts (dislocated left shoulder), who is expected to miss the contest.

Washington (hamstring) is considered day-to-day leading up to Thursday's game against the Colts.

Washington tweaked his hamstring during Sunday's loss to the Falcons, when fellow wideout Cecil Shorts suffered a dislocated shoulder. While Washington's injury is less severe than Shorts', their respective limitations could open snaps for teammates Keith Mumphery and Jaelen Strong in Thursday's divisional contest.

Washington (hamstring) is questionable to return Sunday against the Falcons.

With Washington on the sidelines, Cecil Shorts will be in line for more targets. He hadn't seen a target in the game before making his exit.

Washington caught four of nine targets for 42 yards in Sunday's win over Tampa Bay. He's been targeted 28 times through three games.

Washington's been heavily involved through the first three games, but has yet to find the end zone.

Washington caught three of his eight targets for 63 yards in Sunday's game against the Panthers.

The veteran led the team in receiving for the second straight week and has now racked up 168 yards in his first two games as a Texan. The presence of DeAndre Hopkins (11 targets) and Cecil Shorts (12 targets) could limit Washington's looks in some games, but he appears to have established himself as a consistent option on the outside. Week 3 brings a favorable home matchup against the Buccaneers.

Washington (abdomen) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

As expected, Washington who was on the field for 65-of-77 snaps on offense for the Texans in Week 1 -- will suit up on Sunday, with he and Cecil Shorts both set to see their share of snaps while working in tandem with Houston's No. 1 wideout, DeAndre Hopkins.

Washington (abdomen) practiced fully again Friday and is probable for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

There's little doubt that Washington will be available this week, sitting the stage for him and Cecil Shorts to both see their share of snaps Sunday, while working in tandem with Houston's top wideout option DeAndre Hopkins.

Washington (abdomen) practiced fully Thursday.

With Washington trending toward a probable designation come Friday, he and Cecil Shorts remain in line to see their share of snaps in Sunday's game against the Panthers, working in tandem with Houston's top wideout DeAndre Hopkins.

Washington (abdomen) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Washington was on the field for 65-of-77 snaps on offense for the Texans in Week 1, while fellow wideout Cecil Shorts saw 63 snaps and DeAndre Hopkins was out there for all 77 of the team's snaps. Assuming Washington's abdomen issue isn't anything serious, he and Shorts should be in line to see there share of work in Week 2, in tandem with Hopkins, the team's clear-cut No. 1 receiver.

Nate Washington caught 6-of-11 targets for 105 yards in Sunday's Week 1 loss to the Chiefs.

Washington saw a lot of action as the Texans were playing catch-up for most of the afternoon. While Houston won't often pass 47 times like they did in this one, it's encouraging that Washington's 11 targets were just two short of DeAndre Hopkins' team-leading 13. The veteran receiver is no stranger to rough quarterback situations after spending his last few seasons in Tennessee, so he should be able to make the most of his opportunities even with Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett throwing to him.

Washington caught two passes (two targets) for 15 yards in Saturday night's preseason game against Denver.

These were the first targets of the preseason for Washington, who is competing for the No. 2 wideout with Cecil Shorts. Both were on the field early, but only Washington was targeted.

Washington was not targeted in Saturday's preseason opener against San Francisco.

Cecil Shorts started at wide receiver, but Washington was on the field during the first series with the first-team offense. Washington lined up at wide receiver while Shorts was in the slot when Shorts scored on a 58-yard touchdown hookup with quarterback Brian Hoyer.

Cecil Shorts is listed as a starter ahead of Washington on the Texans' initial depth chart, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said last week that Washington was ahead of Shorts in the battle to start across from DeAndre Hopkins. Shorts is the better athlete and may have jumped ahead, but this is probably a battle that won't be decided until the preseason approaches a conclusion. With Arian Foster (groin) set to miss at least the first few weeks of the season, the likes of Shorts, Washington and TE Garrett Graham may see a few more targets than previously expected.

Houston head coach Bill O'Brien said Washington would start at wide receiver opposite DeAndre Hopkins, if the Texans had to open the season now, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Washington, the 12-year veteran who's caught 411 passes and 40 touchdowns during his career, has impressed the coaches with his fitness and ability to pick up a new system. After the Texans' quarterback competition, the battle for No. 2 wideout will be a closely analyzed story during training camp.

Washington would start at wide receiver if the Texans were playing a game today, the Houston Chronicle reports.

It's important to note that this news is not coming from Houston head coach Bill O'Brien; it's the writer's opinion based on what he has observed. Also, there's a long way to go until the regular season kicks off. Washington had a good offseason and is probably the leader among a pack of candidates that includes Cecil Shorts, Keshawn Martin, Jaelen Strong and Keith Mumphrey. Along with the competition at quarterback, who starts opposite DeAndre Hopkins will be a major story line during training camp and preseason.

Washington has stood out during spring practice sessions, the Texans' official site reports. "He's a guy that's come in here and learned our offense. It's not an easy offense to learn, but he's obviously studied it, gone out there and made a connection with both quarterbacks," said Texans head coach Bill O'Brien.

Washington brings a lot of experience to the Texans, a playoff-contending team looking to replace the production of the departed Andre Johnson. He's not going to be handed the job, but O'Brien's clearly happy so far with Washington.

The Texans have signed Washington, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Per the report, Washington, who recorded 40 catches for 647 yards and two touchdowns for the Titans in 2014, signed a one-year deal with Houston worth $1 million. Washington, who turns 32 in August, joins fellow newcomer Cecil Shorts, as the Texans move to re-load at wideout, after parting ways with Andre Johnson. We suspect, however, that the team is still inclined to add further depth at the position (behind DeAndre Hopkins) in the upcoming NFL draft, with Washington's role with the team not yet clarified as a result.