(SportsRadio 610) - It’s no secret that health is a big part of a team’s success, and the Texans are keeping their fingers crossed they’ll be healthier than last season when they finished 3-13-1, and coach Lovie Smith was fired. A lot of players were injured in 2022, which contributed to the team’s failures.
First-year coach DeMeco Ryans and his staff are doing everything possible to try to take care of their players, especially those who were injured last season or were forced to rehab during the offseason. Other than the normal nagging injuries players suffer in training camp, so far they’ve lost only one player with a season-ending injury – center Scott Quessenberry with two torn knee ligaments.
This week, Ryans was asked about the challenges for players returning from injuries and illness. Ryans has first-hand knowledge because he suffered a torn Achilles tendon when playing for the Eagles against the Texans at NRG Stadium.
“The biggest thing is the mental hurdle of getting back,” he said. “You know physically, ‘I’m ready to go,’ but mentally, it’s a hurdle. And that’s the one (thing) people can’t see and don’t understand. When you go through these injuries, guys are very resilient. It’s tough on their bodies and the things they push through. A lot of guys practicing are dealing with something. I never take that for granted.”
After the first eight practices of training camp, here are four players who have to stay healthy and play the way they’re capable for the Texans to show the kind of improvement this season Ryans believes they can make.
DE Jonathan Greenard
As he showed two years ago when he led the Texans with eight sacks, despite missing five games because of injuries, Greenard is capable of reaching double digits if he can stay healthy. In 2022, he played in only eight games, including four starts. He was limited to 1.5 sacks. This season, Greenard is in the last year of his contract. Nobody has to tell him what could happen if he can avoid injuries that have hampered the last two seasons. Pass rushers with double-digit sacks get paid. He’s in position to make millions from the Texans or another team. Greenard has been impressive in camp. He’s going to be a huge part of the outside pass rush with rookie Will Anderson Jr. and veteran Jerry Hughes.
Ryans on Greenard: “He’s doing a really good job. I’ve seen a lot of improvement from him. He has to continue what he’s been doing – improving. On our defensive line, I want as many guys as possible rushing the passer.”
WR Nico Collins
For the second year in a row, Collins is having a terrific camp. He’s been frequently targeted by quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills. At 6-4, 215, Collins has excellent size and good speed. He can make the tough catch in traffic because he knows how to use his size to shield defensive backs. The problem has been his availability. In 2022, Collins appeared in 10 games and started seven. He caught 37 passes for 481 yards and two touchdowns. Like Greenard, Collins has a chance to get paid. This is the third year of his four-year contract. If he stays healthy and plays the way he’s capable, general manager Nick Caserio might sign him to an extension.
Ryans on Collins: “What I like about Nico? He’s been consistent. He’s shown that consistency throughout camp. He’s making big plays. He’s been detailed in his preparation and detailed in his routes, so I’m excited what Nico’s doing for us.”
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WR John Metchie III
As a second-round pick last year, Metchie had to recover from a torn ACL suffered in Alabama’s SEC Championship Game after the 2021 season. Then, when he got to Houston, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He took off his rookie season to undergo rehabilitation for cancer and to rehab his knee. No player has worked harder than Metchie or overcome more. The best part, according to his teammates and coaches, Metchie is enjoying a remarkable camp. He catches passes, blocks and returns punts. He’s itching to get some playing time in the preseason opener at New England on Thursday.
Ryans on Metchie: “His demeanor hasn’t changed. He’s a hard worker. He’s consistent (and) positive. Whenever he’s at practice, he’s giving everything he has. You’ll see him after practice doing extra (reps) trying to perfect his craft. I’m excited (about) his mentality, His work ethic is just cool to see. He shows determination (and) grit.”
CB Derek Stingley Jr.
The third overall pick in the 2022 draft played in only nine games as a rookie before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury. He has the ability to become a perennial Pro Bowl selection. During the offseason program, Stingley hit the weights and returned to camp with a more impressive physique. He was exceptional in the offseason program and has made a lot of impressive plays in training camp. Ryans’ system that utilizes a lot of man coverage should be ideal for Stingley’s talent. Based on his performance through eight practices, Stingley’s capable of covering the opponent’s best receiver and making a lot of big plays.
Ryans on Stingley: “Derek has been great. I love the way he’s been practicing. He’s going after it on every play. I think you’ll see him in more one-on-one opportunities. It’s that (big plays) every day. It’s about really challenging yourself, training yourself mentally and physically every snap, and that’s what I’m seeing from Stingley. I’m seeing the strain, and I’m seeing him improve. Every rep is important to him.”
(John McClain can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on Sports Radio 610 and before every practice during training camp on Texans Radio. He also writes three columns a week and does two Houtopia Football Podcasts for SportsRadio610.com.)
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