Berrios Cheers Partner, Set to Return for Texans Against Jaguars

Lead: Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Berrios remotely cheered on girlfriend Alix Earle’s Dancing With the Stars debut and was officially cleared from a hamstring injury to play vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 21, the team announced Wednesday.

Nut Graf: Berrios’ dual spotlight-supporting Earle on national television while overcoming a season-opening hamstring strain-underscores his role as both a community figure and a key special-teams contributor for the 0-2 Texans.

Support from Afar

After the Dancing With the Stars season 34 premiere aired Wednesday, Earle revealed Berrios sent her a screenshot confirming he’d voted for her performance, along with an encouraging Instagram story clip. Earle called him “incredibly kind and always encouraging” following the ABC broadcast.

Injury Update and Season Debut

Berrios, sidelined for Houston’s first two games by a lingering hamstring issue, was medically cleared on Wednesday to play in Week 3 against the Jaguars. Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the slot receiver and return specialist will suit up in Jacksonville on September 21.

Role and Expectations

Signed this offseason on a one-year deal, Berrios is slated to handle kickoff and punt returns and provide depth at slot receiver. His return bolsters a Texans offense that has struggled through two scoreless outings to start the season.

Looking Ahead

With Nico Collins and Christian Kirk set as primary receiving targets, Berrios’ immediate contribution on special teams and occasional offensive snaps could provide Houston with crucial field-position advantages as it seeks its first win of 2025.