John Metchie is looking to be the consistent No. 4 option for the Houston Texans’ passing game this fall, but his best ability must be his availability.
Metchie, a 2022 second-round pick out of the University of Alabama, missed his second consecutive practice on Wednesday heading into the team’s off-day. What was initially thought to be a veteran’s off day could be more, though the media did not meet with DeMeco Ryans following practice to confirm.
Metchie and fellow receiver Nico Collins did not partake in drills Tuesday for the first open practice to the public. A day later, Collins, Houston’s No.1 target from the 2023 campaign, was back running drills and taking ankles against cornerbacks during 11-on-11 reps.
Sheeesh 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/OQ8YHhvDoP
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 24, 2024
Ryans has stated that everyone is on a different timeline, so it’s best not to assume anything surrounding Metchie’s status. He could simply need an extra day of recovery before returning to the field for weekend practices.
That would be a win for Houston’s passing game, which has struggled the past several practices. In team drills, second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud finished 4-of-12 passing, but four receivers were credited with drops.
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on Nico Collins and John Metchie III not practicing today, which appears to be a day off, said the team will manage several players throughout a long camp based on workload data, etc @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/UbkelAQQoJ
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 23, 2024
“We’re making sure we’re taking care of guys and being smart about how we’re loading guys,” Ryans said on Tuesday. “Our sports performance group has done a great job with the low management and making sure we’re at the top of everything.”
Running back Joe Mixon missed his fourth straight practice and could be out for “a few more” based on Ryans’ comments on Monday. That’s fine since Houston needs the former Pro Bowler for the regular season rather than training camp.
Linebacker Christian Harris and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil still have yet to see the field since the start of camp, but neither is in jeopardy of losing starting reps.
Cornerback C.J. Henderson also did not appear again during individual or team drills with the defensive backs.
