HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610) -- Keke Coutee has seen a lot of ups and downs in his first three NFL seasons.
Often hampered by injuries, Texans fans and observers still remember his at times electric rookie season in 2018. Twice he caught 11 passes for more than 100 receiving yards against the Indianapolis Colts that year, including a playoff performance.
In 2019, Coutee again struggled to stay healthy and when he was on the field, there were noticeable mental lapses despite his clear physical gifts.
Last season, when Randall Cobb was sidelined with a toe injury and attrition began to take effect, Coutee started to flash again. But right on time, there were ball security issues that put Coutee's reliability in question.
Coutee said Tuesday that he's grown a lot since entering the league three years ago. This will be his most important season yet, with Cobb out and now Anthony Miller in, competing for time in the slot.
This is a contract year for Coutee, who becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season.
"I feel like this is more sticking to my routine, being ready when my number is called and just being able to make plays when the ball is in the air," Coutee said. "So that's what I'm going to continue to do."
Coutee is also one of the few receiving options left over who'd built chemistry with quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is unlikely to ever play for the team again.
Now, the entire team feels new, Coutee said. They were in pads together for the first time Tuesday, and this is the time to start gelling.
“We've got a lot of different talent in that room from one to the bottom, as well," he added. "Everybody brings something different to the table, a great group of guys, so I feel like we all can make plays."