Tag: John Metchie

Watch: Texans WR John Metchie III finally scores first TD

After suffering a torn ACL, undergoing cancer treatment and fighting his way onto the roster in Year 3, John Metchie III scored a touchdown.

The last time John Metchie III scored a touchdown during the regular season came on Dec. 4, 2021.

That was his senior season and final game at the University of Alabama.

Plenty has happened for the Houston Texans‘ third-year receiver since he crossed the goal line in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia.

He tore his ACL the following quarter down in Atlanta and would miss the national championship while undergoing season-ending surgery.

He became a second-round draft pick for Houston and hopefully the long-term option in the slot.

He underwent a battle with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a rare but treatable form of cancer.

And he nearly didn’t make the active roster after back-to-back forgotten seasons as the Texans’ No. 4 receiver.

But Metchie never lost hope that he’d eventually cross into the end zone again. That moment arrived Sunday on the primetime stage against Houston’s most lethal opponent.

As the second quarter came to a close against the Detroit Lions, C.J. Stroud found Metchie for a 15-yard score to give the Texans a 23-7 entering halftime.

Houston (6-3) will receive the ball at halftime and could have a chance to extend its lead beyond the three scores.

With Nico Collins out, Metchie has been the one to step up as the top option for Stroud, hauling in four passes for 65 yards.

His first half against the Lions has actually doubled his receiving total from this season as a whole.

Metchie waited nearly 1,000 days for six points. Just like at Alabama, he was ready to break out the celebration.

B/R suggests the Saints trade for John Metchie III

The Texans can spare a receiver. B/R says the Saints should call about John Metchie

The New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans couldn’t have more different wide receiver rooms. For this reason, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay called for the Saints to trade for John Metchie III.

Beyond Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, the wide receiver position becomes questionable. There are two known commodities that make you feel comfortable, but there’s no one else with a solidified position.

From Kay:

Even if Metchie makes Houston’s roster, he will have a tough time reaching his ceiling and won’t see many passes come his way in 2024. That would change in New Orleans, where the team could utilize him as a No. 3 or 4 receiver.

The Texans suddenly were loaded with receiving talent last year then they added Stefon Diggs over the offseason. Nico Collins just had a career year, and Tank Dell is looking to build off his rookie year. Metchie’s role looks slimmer than last year.

The compensation is low too. Kay suggested the Saints only give up a 6th round pick in exchange for Metchie. The Saints traded this pick for John Ridgeway, but this is just a guideline anyway.

Matchie could be an interesting option as we still don’t know if his dynamic ability can transfer to the professional level. He’d have the opportunity to answer that question in New Orleans.

Could Texans trade preseason breakout star WR John Metchie III?

After an impressive training camp, could the Houston Texans trade John Metchie III while his value is at an all-time high?

Could John Metchie III be on the move before Week 1?

Based on one report, it’s not off the table heading into Tuesday’s roster cutdown deadline.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Houston Texans have been contacted by “multiple teams” regarding the availability of the third-year wide receiver. The Texans are loaded at the position and could afford to free up space by trading one of their top backups.

Schultz did note that it’s “unclear” if the Texans would be willing to trade Metchie, although several opposing front offices are keeping a “close eye” on the former second-round pick.

An asking price wasn’t mentioned, but it’s safe to assume given Metchie’s unproven upside in the regular season, he’d likely go for a Day 3 pick. Could it be more? If so, that’s a deal the Texans would at least have to mull over given the long-term status of several other positions.

Metchie was drafted by the Texans out of Alabama in 2022, but missed his entire rookie season after being diagnosed with leukemia during summer workouts. He returned in 2023, hauling in 16 passes for 158 yards.

Perhaps the Metchie’s highlight moment came in the 45-14 wild-card round victory over the Cleveland Browns. Totaling three catches for 36 yards, Metchie helped the Texans inch deep into Browns’ territory with a 27-yard grab-and-go from C.J. Stroud in the second quarter.

He picked back up where he left off in the preseason. Metchie had been a standout in practice with both Stroud and Davis Mills in the passing game. In Week 2’s 28-10 win over the New York Giants, he finished with a team-leading six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.

Everyone in the locker room loves Metchie. As much as he offers upside on the field, he provides the same value in the huddle. Players couldn’t wait to celebrate with the former Crimson Tide after he scored his first NFL touchdown on a 4-yard pass from Case Keenum.

“It’s exciting to see Metchie make those types of plays,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Nobody is more fired up than his teammates to see the other receivers and see their genuine excitement when he makes those plays. The entire team, as a whole, is pulling for him to do well. And he did a really nice job today.”

Metchie could struggle to stand out in a loaded receiver room for the impending season. Nico Collins signed a three-year extension this offseason after racking up a team-high 1,297 yards off 80 catches.

Rookie sensation Tank Dell is back after his promising 2023 season ended in Week 13 due to a fractured fibula.

The Texans also brought in four-time Pro Bowl target Stefon Diggs from Buffalo to raise the skillset for reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. He’s going to start after leading the NFL in receptions over the past four years with Buffalo.

For Houston, the question turns to Metchie’s future. Diggs is only on a one-year deal after the franchise voids the last three years of his contract. If he exceeds expectations, he’ll command top dollar on the market, thus forcing his way out of Houston’s price range.

The Texans also have to assume Metchie is the No. 4 receiver if they elect to cease all trade talks. Right now, that part feels logical since he finished the preseason with 10 catches for 100 yards and a score.

Where does Noah Brown fit in the equation?

Where does Robert Woods factor in if he makes the active roster?

Also, do the Texans expect Metchie to remain the same player once the regular season rolls around? If not, why not trade him when the value has reached its peak?

The Texans would feel content about their receiver room if they moved on from Metchie, but it would have to be for the right price. Until that happens, expect Metchie to remain in Houston as the team prepares for Indianapolis.

Giants vs. Texans Player of the Game: WR John Metchie III

John Metchie’s out-of-this-world performance has him named Texans Wire’s player of the game.

John Metchie has finally arrived.

It’s been over 800 days since Metchie, the once-expected No. 2 target for the Houston Texans, found the end zone. He missed all of his rookie season after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Entering Year 3, nothing was promised regarding Metchie’s role, especially after breakout seasons from Nico Collins and Tank Dell, plus the arrival of four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs. He would have to earn playing time in 2024 while also holding off several competitors looking to make the roster.

He leaves Sunday’s 28-10 win over the New York Giants as perhaps the favorite to lock up the No. 5 receiver spot.

“I’m still young and I’m still writing my story,” Metchie said following his breakout outing at NRG Stadium. “That’s where my head is at. It’s where my feet are at. I don’t look like I’m closing the book or something.
“I’m grateful for every opportunity.”

Metchie’s story isn’t over in Houston after finishing with a team-high six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. He could be writing the next chapter as a piece that helps the Texans advance past the divisional round for the first time in franchise history.

The former Alabama star stepped up last season in the wild-card round victory over Cleveland with a career-high three catches for 44 yards. He nearly matched that total on his first drive with three catches for 36 yards.

After hauling in a 15-yard pass from Case Keenum, the duo connected for a 3-yard touchdown, giving Houston the 14-7 lead with 3:48 remaining in the first half.

At the start of the third quarter, Keenum found Metchie again for a gain of 11 and his third first-down conversion.

Catching the coach’s attention is critical for bubble players. Metchie accomplished that on his first target. Keenum tried to launch one down the sidelines, but it floated toward the sidelines. That didn’t stop Metchie from contorting his body to come down with the ball out of bounds.

A bit more to the right and it would have been a 35-yard gain.

“It’s exciting to see Metchie make those plays,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Nobody is more fired up than all of his teammates, you see the other receivers and their genuine excitement for him when he makes those plays. The entire team, as a whole, is pulling for him to do well.”

Metchie finished his second year with 16 catches for 116 yards. Through three preseason games, he’s collected eight receptions for 78 yards. He’s also been one of the top playmakers in practice, serving as a rotational specialist for both C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills.

“I’m very excited for him,” Stroud said. “It’s only just beginning for him.”

For his performance, Metchie is this week’s Texans Wire Player of the Game.

Texans training camp attendance: John Metchie back after team’s off-day

John Metchie III was back in action with the Houston Texans’ offense for the first time since Monday.

The Texans’ offense is still missing running back Joe Mixon and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil heading into the weekend, but at least they added back an essential piece Friday morning before practice.

John Metchie III, who missed the past two practices for rest, was back in action among the pass-catchers. He stood out in drills, catching a pair of touchdown passes during one-on-one drills.

Metchie, a 2022 second-round pick out of the University of Alabama, has been one of the top performers in the early stages of camp. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans, plus several other offensive players, have praised his work ethic and consistency throughout OTAs and minicamp.

“He’s making plays, he’s showing up and he’s showing out. So just another brother of mine,” quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “Not only am I there for him, but he’s also there for me through thick and thin. Just another great guy that we have. I’m just excited to see him just show his value that we all have known, and now he’s putting it on the field.”

Mixon, the Texans’ expected starting running back, still hasn’t returned to practice, but he was seen on the sidelines watching drills behind Dameon Pierce, Jahwar Jordan and J.J. Taylor. Houston is being patient as he fully recovers from what’s being reported as a lower-body injury.

Tunsil, who underwent successful arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason, still hasn’t been cleared to practice. So far, rookie Blake Fisher has been working with the starters at left tackle and is still getting used to facing off against defensive ends like Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

Quarterback Case Keenum also what should be considered a veteran’s off-day. The Texans return to practice on Saturday, so Keenum could return before Sunday’s off-period.

Texans training camp attendance: John Metchie misses second consecutive practice

John Metchie missed another day of Houston Texans practice before Thursday’s off day.

John Metchie is looking to be the consistent No. 4 option for the Houston Texans’ passing game this fall, but his best ability must be his availability.

Metchie, a 2022 second-round pick out of the University of Alabama, missed his second consecutive practice on Wednesday heading into the team’s off-day. What was initially thought to be a veteran’s off day could be more, though the media did not meet with DeMeco Ryans following practice to confirm.

Metchie and fellow receiver Nico Collins did not partake in drills Tuesday for the first open practice to the public. A day later, Collins, Houston’s No.1 target from the 2023 campaign, was back running drills and taking ankles against cornerbacks during 11-on-11 reps.

Ryans has stated that everyone is on a different timeline, so it’s best not to assume anything surrounding Metchie’s status. He could simply need an extra day of recovery before returning to the field for weekend practices.

That would be a win for Houston’s passing game, which has struggled the past several practices. In team drills, second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud finished 4-of-12 passing, but four receivers were credited with drops.

“We’re making sure we’re taking care of guys and being smart about how we’re loading guys,” Ryans said on Tuesday. “Our sports performance group has done a great job with the low management and making sure we’re at the top of everything.”

Running back Joe Mixon missed his fourth straight practice and could be out for “a few more” based on Ryans’ comments on Monday. That’s fine since Houston needs the former Pro Bowler for the regular season rather than training camp.

Linebacker Christian Harris and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil still have yet to see the field since the start of camp, but neither is in jeopardy of losing starting reps.

Cornerback C.J. Henderson also did not appear again during individual or team drills with the defensive backs.

Why C.J. Stroud believes John Metchie III is poised for a breakout season in 2024

Former Alabama WR John Metchie III is ready to make an impact for the Houston Texans in 2024 and QB C.J. Stroud details why.

In the second round of the 2022 NFL draft, the Houston Texans used the No. 44 overall pick to select former Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver, John Metchie III. After two seasons with the franchise, he is now poised to step up into a role where he can consistently contribute and showcase his talents.

Though he had suffered a torn ACL in the SEC championship game just a few months prior to being drafted, the biggest concern for Metchie came from a cancer diagnosis, acute promyelocytic leukemia. While receiving treatment, Metchie missed the 2022 NFL season. A year later, he returned to the team and played a limited role throughout the 2023 season.

Last season, Metchie appeared in 16 games and tallied 16 receptions for 158 yards. A stark contrast from his production at Alabama, where his final season featured a stat line of 93 receptions, 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns.

As he prepares for the upcoming 2024 season, his teammates aren’t shying away from warning the league about what’s to come from Metchie.

Texas quarterback, C.J. Stroud may only have one season under his belt, but he’s been spectacular. The former Ohio State Buckeyes QB was the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, was selected to the Pro Bowl and was named as a member of the PFWA All-Rookie team.

Recently, Stroud spoke with media members and took a moment to talk about Metchie. Regarding his playing abilities, Stroud stated, “He’s running some of the best routes I have ever seen.” However, that’s not all Stroud touched on. The young quarterback also noted Metchie’s ability to overcome adversity with all that he’s been through.

Stroud and Metchie will be an interesting QB-WR duo to watch through ought the upcoming 2024 season, as will the Houston Texans overall. The relatively young team consists of star power at various levels of experience. In the AFC South, Houston is the team to beat.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow John Metchie III and other Crimson Tide players in the NFL, as well as all Alabama football news as the 2024 offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Texans QB C.J. Stroud: Everyone knows how ‘special’ John Metchie III can be

C.J. Stroud is expecting big things from the Houston Texans’ offense and a promising thrid season for John Metchie III

While the Houston Texans recently added Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs to the offense, C.J. Stroud wanted to talk about another receiver who’s been working overtime this offseason.

Stroud praised third-year pass-catcher John Metchie III’s work ethic and progress Monday after recently working out with him in Los Angeles, stating how different he’s looked a full year into his remission.

“He has a ton of value, a huge impact that I think he will bring this season,” Stroud said. “I think last year was good to get his feet back in the water, coming off of an injury, then something so traumatic like being sick how he was. His mindset is that he’s just ready to come back and ball.”

A former second-round selection out of Alabama in 2022, Metchie missed the entirety of his rookie season after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a rare but treatable form of cancer. Instead of hauling in passes from Davis Mills, he was undergoing chemotherapy over at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Consider the 2023 campaign Metchie’s de facto rookie year. In 15 games, the former go-to target for Heisman winner and No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young hauled in 16 passes for 158 yards. Metchie’s most significant moment came against the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round, where his 27-yard catch set up an eventual touchdown pass to Nico Collins.

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, recently invited Metchie, Diggs and Tank Dell out of L.A. to run drills at UCLA’s campus. Fully healthy, Stroud could see a spark in the slot receiver that could benefit the Texans’ passing attack this fall.

“Not only is he a great football player, but he’s a great person and I wouldn’t want anybody else other than those guys in that room,” said Stroud. “Metchie is looking amazing. Everything that he will put on this field will be no surprise, but I think everybody in this room knows how special he can be, and he’ll put that on the field.”

Metchie was named the Texans’ annual Ed Block Courage Award last season, recognizing his grit and determination to overcome great adversity. He now looks to be a staple of Houston’s offense en route to the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance this upcoming season.

5 statistical takeaways from Texans’ Week 18 victory

Here are five reasons why the Houston Texans took down the Indianapolis Colts to secure a playoff spot Saturday.

The Houston Texans secured their spot in the playoffs in a pivotal victory Saturday night 23-19 over the Indianapolis Colts. Later, they won the AFC South when the Jacksonville Jaguars fell on the road to the division rival Tennessee Titans.

As such, it’s created one of the best stories in the NFL. After winning just seven games the past two seasons combined, head coach DeMeco Ryans has won 10 games and gifted the city where he once played their first playoff game (and home playoff game) since 2019. They’ll get a rematch with the Cleveland Browns, who easily dismantled Houston without C.J. Stroud in Week 16.

Even as the team turns its focus towards the playoffs, there are still some important takeaways from the team’s gutsy performance over the Colts in what was essentially a playoff game. Here are five takeaways looking at the advanced metrics from Saturday’s huge victory.

Texans vs. Cardinals live blog: 21-16 Houston, FINAL

Follow along for all of the action as the Houston Texans take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11.

The Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals were supposed to be also-rans at this point in the season, yet the Texans have found a way to expeditiously close the rebuild. Maybe the trade with Arizona on draft day worked out after all.

The Texans would like to ride their two-game win streak into a third victory. Th last time Houston won three games in a row was 2018 amid a nine-game losing streak that resurrected an 0-3 start into a respectable 9-3 mark by the streak’s end. It would give them credibility as a division threat in their rematch with the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12.

If you can’t catch the game any other conventional way, follow along here.