Xavier Hutchinson woke up Tuesday morning and tried to keep his mind off what was happening at NRG Stadium.
The second-year Houston Texans wide receiver tried to go about his usual routine, though he did have his phone close by, hoping it wouldn’t ring until after the 3 p.m. deadline.
Spoiler alert, 3 p.m. passed and a buzz never hit his pocket. It didn’t hit the pocket for 53 other players after six weeks of practice in the sweltering Houston heat.
“I would say at 4 o’clock, that was the brief little joy that I got right there,” Hutchinson said Wednesday as a member of the Texans’ 2024 roster. “I just got to text my mom, text my dad and really just be around my girl and just have the love, the true love and compassion, just pure joy around me.”
While C.J. Stroud, Tank Dell, Danielle Hunter and Stefon Diggs were guaranteed roster spots, Hutchinson wasn’t. Neither were defensive back Myles Bryant or undrafted rookie running back British Brooks.
Both avoided a phone call Tuesday after promising preseason play to close out the month of August. Bryant, who was waived twice in New England before finally cracking the active roster, left his mark with a team-leading seven tackles in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams.
“The great thing about the NFL is no spots are guaranteed. It may seem like you know, you have a big superstar who’s guaranteed a spot, but I think each year there’s always a surprise,” Bryant said. “So, I mean, you got to come out here and earn that is the thing I love about the league.”
#Texans Myles Bryant CB, what was the factors for him coming to @HoustonTexans …#ADMAXKORNER @admaxkorner @TheHRReview #NFL2024 pic.twitter.com/SmXdjtSYum
— Adolphus 'AD' Moore (@ad_moore64) August 28, 2024
Brooks, who signed with the team out of North Carolina in April, stood out on special teams. He scored two touchdowns in the Texans’ preseason win over the New York Giants and delivered one of the best hits as a fullback in Saturday’s victory over Los Angeles.
“If you can help our team in any way, you’ll earn a spot and that’s what he did, he earned a spot,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Nothing was handed to him and that’s what the League is about. It’s about guys competing and earning spots for our roster and that’s the example that British set forth.”
Each player offers something that can help the Texans immediately. That was something Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio wanted when putting together the initial 53-man roster.
It’s also why several players who expected to make the team when camp broke in July were released.
Hutchinson, who led Houston this preseason with 14 catches for 114 yards, remained a consistent target in camp regardless of the quarterback. On game days, he often was a security blanket for Tim Boyle, Case Keenum or Davis Mills with the backups.
Xavier Hutchinson, Preseason Week 1
All targets and touches. pic.twitter.com/hxIRQq8AlM
— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) August 2, 2024
“‘Hutch’ was probably one of our most consistent, most dependable players from the beginning of training camp until the end,” Caserio said.
Bryant offers position flexibility. He’s played primarily in the nickel but also spent time last season with the Patriots on the outside and at safety. Ryans credited his special teams skills as another asset that adds value starting next week in Indianapolis.
“When you have guys who are versatile and who can do more, that makes a nice case for you making our team,” Ryans said. “Excited for Myles and how far he’s come with picking up all the things we’ve asked him to do.”
Brooks, who took reps during Wednesday’s open practice at tight end, could become the Texans’ new fullback following the release of Troy Hairston, Nick Bawden and Andrew Beck.
He also could see action as the goal line runner, but Brooks is willing to snap the ball to Stroud if it gets him on the field.
“I’m down for wherever they need me at to be honest… They won’t hear a no from me,” said Brooks.
British Brooks as a blocker. Lorenzo Neal-esque pic.twitter.com/F1psEJyikF
— Seth Payne (@SethCPayne) August 27, 2024
Words like “earned” and “proved” were used to describe Hutchinson, Bryant and Brooks during Caserio’s and Ryans’ press conference, but that was only part one of the process.
The trio must now earn playing time behind established veterans who don’t plan on riding the bench. Hutchinson said he took an hour to bask in making the team. Bryant took the evening to accomplish the feat.
Brooks, who almost didn’t partake in North Carolina’s Pro Day last year, exhaled a sigh of relief as the clock drifted past 3 p.m. and closer to 3:45 p.m.
Now, the journey for all three officially begins.
“This is only the stepping stone of what I want to continue to do,” Hutchinson said.
