Lestar

Jean

The Texans never revealed the extent of the injury. Lestar (pronounced leh-STAR) was poised to earn a roster spot with a strong camp and exhibition season before he landed on injured reserve in late August. Coach Gary Kubiak recently suggested Jean will compete for the No. 3 receiver job following Jacoby Jones’ release.

“We’ve added a couple of receivers to our team,” Kubiak said. “We’ve got a couple of kids that we think a lot of, Lestar Jean being number one.” Undrafted out of Florida Atlantic, Jean was a training camp sensation before suffering an injury in preseason action last August. He’ll compete for the third receiver job with rookies DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin.

Coach Gary Kubiak has expressed at least mild concern about the lack of experienced depth at the position. Sims-Walker has already worked out for the Texans once this offseason, and Kubiak indicated that he “looked good” in Tuesday’s practice. The coaching staff will take the three days of minicamp to evaluate Sims-Walker’s tape before deciding whether to sign the veteran as competition for Lestar Jean.

We hadn’t heard from Jean in a few weeks with rookie Keshawn Martin generating more buzz, but the second-year wideout made a dent against San Francisco on Saturday night. “He continues to step up every time he gets a chance,” observed coach Gary Kubiak after the game. Jean remains in the mix for No. 3 receiver duties in Houston, and he will start if Andre Johnson goes down again.

Kubiak offered hints that the Texans may still explore signing a veteran receiver. “I’m concerned about the youth of the receiving group, which we keep talking about,” Kubiak said. “I like the ability, as I’ve told y’all all along. Bottom line, none of them have been in games, and so that’s going to be a concern until we get going.”

Although Houston carried Johnson on the roster for all 16 games last year, he managed just six catches for 90 yards while playing 17 percent of the snaps. It speaks volumes about the state of Roy Williams’ career that Johnson was the preferred option after Thursday’s workout. Johnson will only stay on the roster if Lestar Jean and/or DeVier Posey fail to emerge in August. Jean remains the favorite for the third receiver job.

Credit the Chronicle’s Lance Zierlein for nailing this one from the get-go. While the Texans are high on Lestar Jean, he’s better suited to the outside behind Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter whereas Martin’s quickness and hands are ideal for the slot. A favorite of NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell, Martin has been “outstanding” in OTAs, minicamp and now training camp. The former Michigan State star is skyrocketing up the Dynasty rookie ranks, but remains a long shot for redraft value in Houston’s run-oriented offense.

Jean worked with the first team all spring, and he’s getting starter’s reps in contact practices now, too. “He’s got a ways to go,” Kubiak acknowledged of Jean. “I love his work habits. I love how he goes about his business. He’s got all the tools: the size, he can run, he’s smart. Lestar has just got to become a pro. Every day he just has to be consistent and make a play.”

Posey is rough around the edges after missing all but three games during his senior season due to suspension. The source contradicts coach Gary Kubiak, who said Martin was “exceptional” during OTAs. Lestar Jean appears to be the favorite for No. 3 wide receiver duties, but there’s a long way to go.

Coach Gary Kubiak confirmed that Jean has an “excellent opportunity” to earn a spot in Houston’s three-wide offense. A 2011 camp and preseason star, Jean is getting the first crack to replace Jacoby Jones, ahead of rookies Keshawn Martin and DeVier Posey. Johnson and Kevin Walter will be the Texans’ starters.