(SportsRadio 610) - Learning of rookie wide receiver John Metchie III being diagnosed with leukemia came as a shock to the Texans locker room.
Metchie, just 22 years old, was already recovering from an ACL injury suffered in the SEC Championship game last season.
But he figured to return to the field at some point for his rookie season, until he learned of being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, which is considered the most curable form of the disease.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio said they found out during the summer, either mid- or late-July, shortly before training camp. Metchie, who was selected in the second round with the 44th overall pick, is unlikely to play football this season.
His teammates and the organization are fully behind him.
Lovie Smith, who is entering his 12th season as an NFL head coach and his first with the Texans, normally addresses his team first at training camp. This time instead, it was Metchie through video.
"There were a lot of questions on what's going on with his health, so I let him to talk the football team and let them know what he has in store this year and how it would affect our football team," Smith said. "All I can say about that is we have a family member fighting something serious and were going to be there every step of the way with him. Eventually, he will get back out there with our football team and we can't wait for that."
Caserio noted that fortunately, Metchie is under great care with Houston having some of the world's best cancer treatment and doctors.
"Fortunately, we're blessed to have some of the best doctors and the best hospitals in the city of Houston, so he's been under great care," Caserio said. "Our medical staff specifically with the Texans, our trainers, our medical staff, Dr. (James) Muntz did an unbelievable job of assisting him when he was actually not in Houston, he was outside of Houston when this was discovered. We've had dialogue, we've had communication with John. He's in good spirits, he's kind of taking it one day at a time, so there's no time table. ... His attitude has been great. We've had some dialogue with him, some of our coaches have talked with him.
"So, trying to keep him engaged, trying to keep him involved, but the most important thing is his health and his well-being. This is not about football, it's just about him recovering and him being able to lead a good life and then we'll see where we end up here at some point."
Brandon Scott is the editor for SportsRadio610.com. Follow him on Twitter @brandonkscott. Reach him directly via email: brandon.scott@audacy.com.
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