Kahale Warring didn’t have a rookie season with the Houston Texans. Instead, the 2019 third-round pick from San Diego State was placed on injured reserve prior to the start of the season as he dealt with concussions.
Coach and general manager Bill O’Brien still believes the former water polo player can contribute for the Texans in his second year with the team.
“I do,” said O’Brien. “Look, I don’t think it was ideal for him to not play football last year.”
Warring was concussed during the club’s training camp scrimmages with the Green Bay Packers in early August.
“We felt like, as time wore on, it was best for us to work with him in the classroom and do some things that we were able to do out on the field relative — observe a lot,” O’Brien explained.
What Warring may have observed is Darren Fells catching a career-high seven touchdown passes from quarterback Deshaun Watson as the 6-7 former basketball player was a legitimate red zone threat. Another possible observation could have been former 2018 third-rounder Jordan Akins catching 36 passes for 418 yards and two touchdowns.
In other words, there is a place for tight ends in the Texans’ offense, and Watson will connect with them to move the chains.
O’Brien doesn’t have tabs on Warring as well as he would in a normal offseason due to the complications from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, from what O’Brien does know, the 6-6, 250-pound tight end is endeavoring to become a productive part of Houston’s offense.
Said O’Brien: “I know he’s working really hard right now. He’s in between Houston and the West Coast and I’m excited about Kahale’s future. I really like Kahale. I think he’s a hardworking guy and I think he’s got a lot of talent, and I think he’s going to be a good really good player for us.”
Warring will be a part of a crowded tight end room with Akins, Fells, and Jordan Thomas.