Tag: O.J. Howard

3 takeaways from the Texans’ snap counts in 20-20 tie with Colts

The Houston Texans’ snap counts against the Indianapolis Colts in the 20-20 tie revealed some interesting concepts about the roster.

The Houston Texans came to a stalemate against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday during a bizarre 20-20 tie game after 10 minutes of overtime. The opening day of the 2022 NFL season gave Houston fans a longer than expected glimpse at the new roster and how Lovie Smith and the coaching staff may plan to use some of the available weapons.

Quarterback Davis Mills, left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and defensive standouts Jalen Pitre and Derek Stingley were guaranteed to see 100% snap counts as staples of the team. However, more was learned about the rest of the roster that will have a significant impact on Houston both winning games and the ways in which they’ll try to do so.

There are a few key takeaways to walk away with after the first full-game featuring the Texans starters.

Tunnel Vision of Week 1

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Josh Allen  297-56 4
 Patrick Mahomes 360-5 5
 Carson Wentz 313-12 4
 Joe Burrow 338-47 2
 Jalen Hurts 243-90 1
Running Backs Yards TD
Saquon Barkley 194 1
Jonathan Taylor 175 1
D’Andre Swift 175 1
Kareem Hunt 66 2
Cordarrelle Patterson  136 1
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Justin Jefferson 9-184 2
Cooper Kupp 13-128 1
Davante Adams 10-141 1
Ja’Marr Chase 10-129 1
Michael Pittman 9-121 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
Travis Kelce 8-121 1
O.J. Howard 2-38 2
Taysom Hill 83 yards 1
Gerald Everett 3-54 1
Pat Freiermuth 5-75 0
Placekickers XP FG
Younghoe Koo 2 4
Cade York 2 4
Chris Boswell 2 3
Ryan Succop 2 4
Greg Joseph 2 3
Defense Sack – TO TD
Steelers 7-5 1
Dolphins 2-3 1
Bills 7-3 0
Vikings 4-2 0
Chargers 6-3 0

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

QB Dak Prescott – Thumb
QB Mac Jones -Back
RB Elijah Mitchell – Knee
RB Damien Williams – Ribs
RB Najee Harris – Foot
WR Chris Godwin – Hamstring
WR Wan’Dale Robinson – Knee
WR Keenan Allen – Hamstring
WR Tee Higgins – Concussion
PK Harrison Butker – Ankle

Chasing Ambulances

Taking a look at injury situations and what could happen.

RB Najee Harris (PIT) – He injured his foot but it was reported to not be serious. We’ll know more this week, but if he does miss any time, the rookie Jaylen Warren will become the primary and Benny Snell would also be active. The Steelers host the Patriots next week, who still have a solid rush defense.

RB Elijah Mitchell (SF) – Left the loss to the Bears with a knee injury and never returned. HC Kyle Shanahan did not know if the injury was serious or not after the game. Jeff Wilson is the next in line and the 49ers host the Seahawks for an attractive matchup. Tyrion Price-Davis was inactive while UFA Jordan Mason was active on Sunday. The 49ers running back depth chart is still changing.

WR Chris Godwin (TB) – He was just back from his torn ACL and then injured his hamstring. Julio Jones saw the biggest workload with Godwin out but is likely already on a fantasy roster. Russell Gage may see an uptick if Godwin remains out, but he wasn’t used much on Sunday night even after Godwin left.

WR Keenan Allen (LAC) – Hurt his hamstring and has been hampered by soft-tissue injuries in the past. He still led the Chargers for Week 1. Josh Palmer could see more work, and Mike Williams might even catch more than two short passes next week at the Chiefs. The Chargers will need to throw a lot in that game, so Allen’s absence will have to be compensated. And the game is on Thursday, so there is even less chance that Allen heals up in time. Jalen Guyton may see some work, but Palmer is the main one that should see a big uptick in targets.

WR Tee Higgins – Suffered a concussion when he was hit hard and was quickly ruled out of the game. Mike Thomas would move up into his spot if Higgins cannot play, but Tyler Boyd would more likely see the increased targets, along with running backs and tight ends. With Higgins out for much of the game, Joe Mixon (7-63) and Hayden Hurst (5-46) were the most targeted after Ja’Marr Chase.

QB Dak Prescott (DAL) – Injured his thumb and Jerry Jones said that Prescott will need surgery on his thumb and he will be out “for a while.” More information will be forthcoming, but it doesn’t sound promising and will mean Cooper Rush becomes the starter, assuming Dallas doesn’t want to acquire any of the better No. 2 quarterbacks out there.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

 WR Jarvis Landry (NO) – The Browns’ transplant led the Saints with seven catches for 114 yards. His first game as a Saint was better than all but one of his performances for the last two years. He was the possession receiver when Jameis Winston needed to move the chains.

WR Michael Thomas (NO) – His first healthy game in two years was a disappointment until the fourth quarter in the win over the Falcons. He ended with both receiving touchdowns thrown by Jameis Winston and totaled five receptions for 52 yards on eight targets. It was encouraging for him to step up late in the game and to be the best end-zone target.

RB Alvin Kamara (NO) – Concerning that he only ran nine times for 30 yards and caught just three passes for seven yards. Winston rarely looked his way and mostly threw deeper passes downfield.

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) – Amari Cooper was the big offseason addition, but he only caught three of six targets for 17 yards. People-Jones was the clear preferred receiver with 11 targets and six catches for 60 yards. It’s just one game, but Jacoby Brissett shied away from Cooper in preference to Peoples-Jones.

WR Robbie Anderson (CAR) – There were rumblings that Anderson didn’t want Baker Mayfield to come to town, but that’s no longer an issue. D.J. Moore was held to only three catches for 43 yards while Anderson led the Panthers with five catches for 102 yards and the lone receiving touchdown. That was better than the last 28 games he had in Carolina.

RB Jeff Wilson (SF) – Elijah Mitchell didn’t take long to leave with a knee injury, and Jeff Wilson is next in line in the committee backfield. Deebo Samuel ran eight times, just one fewer than Wilson’s nine. Also interesting, the decision to make Tyrion Davis-Price inactive while activating Jordan Mason. He’s the UDFA rookie that made Trey Sermon expendable and a player that the 49ers targeted once the NFL draft was over.

RB Jaylen Warren (PIT) – He’s next in line if Najee Harris‘ foot injury causes him to miss time. The Steelers host the Patriots this week, so it is not a great matchup, and their immediate schedule contains tough defenses other than the Jets in Week 4.

RB A.J. Brown (PHI) – The matchup was plenty tasty visiting the Lions, but Brown blew up for ten catches and 155 yards and tied a career-high. He was thrown 13 passes while no other receiver totaled more than four. Brown immediately slides in as the Eagles go-to receiver.

TE Pat Freiermuth (PIT) – Mitchell Trubisky’s first start as a Steeler saw Freiermuth lead the team with 75 yards on five receptions. The rookie George Pickens was a nonfactor with just one catch for three yards. Diontae Johnson maintained his role as the possession guy that sticks close to the offensive line. But encouraging that Freiermuth has already connected well with Trubisky.

WR D.J. Chark (DET) – The ex-Jaguar’s first game in Detroit went well, with eight targets for four catches, 52 yards and the final touchdown that drew the Lions to within three points of the Eagles. At home against the Commanders this week should be just as attractive of an opponent. Chark was second only to Amon-Ra St. Brown in targets (8 vs. 12).

RB Nyheim Hines (IND) – He had almost no use as a rusher in a game where Jonathan Taylor ran 31 times. But Hines’ six catches for 50 yards was second only to Michael Pittman. The Colts claimed they were going to rely more on Hines as a receiver, and Week 1 said that’s true.

RB Dameon Pierce / Rex Burkhead (HOU) – The Colt’s red-hot rookie sleeper had a tough start with only 11 rushes for 33 yards versus the Colts and added one catch for six yards. The veteran Burkhead was the lead back with 14 runs for 40 yards and his eight targets were second only to Brandin Cooks. Burkhead caught five for 30 yards and his 19 touches went for 70 yards, while Pierce totaled 12 touches for 39 yards. Three of the next four games are on the road, so the receiving job may be more important than the rushing.

TE O.J. Howard (HOU) – He only caught two passes but gained 38 yards and scored on both. For a position with minimal difference-makers, Howard needs to live as depth on a fantasy roster to see if anything more happens.

WR Devin Duvernay (BAL) – The Ravens No. 2 receiver stepped up in Week 1. Rashod Bateman caught two passes for 59 yards and one touchdown – a 55-yard score in the third quarter that salvaged his game. Duvernay caught four passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns and both came earlier in the game than Bateman’s later deep strike. The next three games are against Miami, New England, and the Bills, so Lamar Jackson will rely on more than Bateman downfield.

RB Breece Hall (NYJ) – The Jets said that Michael Carter would be the primary rusher. He gained 60 yards on ten runs while the rookie Hall only ran six times for 23 yards. But Joe Flacco looked often to his running backs as receivers. Carter caught seven passes for 40 yards, and Hall ended with six receptions for 38 yards.  Hall’s ten targets were the highest on the team.

RB James Robinson / Travis Etienne (JAC) – Robinson tore the Achilles tendon in his left leg last December, so his health this summer and for Week 1 was of interest. He exceeded all expectations with 11 runs for 66 yards and a score, plus he caught a three yard pass – also another touchdown. Meanwhile, Etienne’s debut was far less impressive with four runs for 47 yards and just two catches for 18 yards. Etienne was the supposed master weapon to be used in numerous ways. So far, he’s just a third-down back and the No. 2 behind Robinson.

RB Antonio Gibson (WAS) – Following the theme of veterans who said “I’m not done yet,” Gibson had a great first game, running for 58 yards on 14 carries and then leading the Commanders with seven receptions for 72 yards.

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) – The Chiefs’ primary back opened the year with seven runs for 42 yards and caught three passes for 32 yards and two touchdowns. He was targeted only three times but was deadly effective on a team looking to fill-in for Tyreek Hill. Isiah Pacheco ran for 62 yards and a score on 12 carries but those were all late in the game when the beatdown was already complete.

WR Greg Dortch (ARI) – What would Week 1 be without guys like Dortch? He was on the practice squad last year and was signed to the active roster. Rondale Moore injured his hamstring in practice a few days ago and was out for Week 1. His replacement in the slot became Dortch, who had three career catches over his three years in the NFL. Dortch became the leading receiver in the loss to the Chiefs. He fielded nine targets – three more than anyone else – and caught seven passes for 63 yards. More than A.J. Green (2-13) or Andy Isabella (1-10). With DeAndre Hopkins still suspended for five games, Dortch may continue to play a role. Once Moore and Hopkins are in the lineup, Dortch would likely end up as the same depth player he has always been. But he’s one to send fans thumbing through their game programs.

RB Brandon Bolden (LV) – The Raiders clearly indicated that Ameer Abdullah would become an integral part of the backfield as the new third-down back. But maybe not. He had one target and no catches. Bolden was the third-down back for the Patriots last year, and came over with new HC Josh McDaniels. And he caught two passes for 21 yards and one touchdown. He also ran three times for seven yards. Josh Jacobs ran ten times as the only other rusher. This could all change next week in true McDaniels-style, but it’s a good example of the difference between what is said, and what actually happens.

RB Saquon Barkley (NYG) – He has to be mentioned. He ran for 164 yards and a score on 18 carries, and added six receptions for 30 yards as the Giants’ busiest receiver. So, yeah, waiting for the most recent injury to happen but he looks every bit as good as he did in his first two impressive seasons.

WR Kyle Phillips (TEN) – The Titans brought in Robert Woods, who was talked up this summer. He only caught one pass for 13 yards. They also drafted Treylon Burks with their 1.18 pick who debuted with 55 yards on three catches. But their 5.20 pick of Phillips led the team with nine targets for six catches and 66 yards.

Huddle player of the week

Justin Jefferson – The Vikings’ star receiver was in a tough matchup with the Packers’ returning a healthy CB Jaire Alexander, but it was not a problem. At all. Jefferson ended as the top fantasy player of Week 1 with nine catches for 184 yards and two scores. This likely turns those who skipped running backs in the first round to scoop up Jefferson a bit insufferable this week. Then again, he looked so unstoppable that this is hardly the last time we’ll have to hear from the Jefferson owners.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Carson Wentz 325 4 QB Aaron Rodgers 194 0
RB Dontrell Hilliard 69 2 RB Dameon Pierce 33 0
RB Isiah Pacheco 62 1 RB Elijah Mitchell 41 0
WR Devin Duvernay 54 2 WR CeeDee Lamb 29 0
WR Robbie Anderson 102 1 WR Mike Williams 10 0
WR Curtis Samuel 72 1 WR Tee Higgins 27 0
TE O.J. Howard 38 2 TE Kyle Pitts 19 0
PK Younghoe Koo   2 XP   4 FG PK Nick Folk  1  XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 145 Huddle Fantasy Points = 20

Now get back to work…

Texans QB Davis Mills gives up and down performance in 20-20 tie with Colts

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills had highs and lows in the team’s 20-20 tie with the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1.

The Houston Texans walked away with a 20-20 tie against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday at NRG Stadium.

It’s a game that might leave them confused regarding exactly how to feel about the final outcome. The team’s highest highs included a 20-3 lead where everything was clicking on both offense and defense. The lowest lows featured a fourth quarter where Indianapolis eviscerated that lead and nearly won the game in overtime if not for a missed kick.

To no surprise, second-year quarterback Davis Mills also brought a similar degree of volatility to his performance. The Stanford product finished 23 of 37 with 240 yards and two touchdowns. His only turnover of the day was a costly fumble in the fourth quarter that helped to fuel a late comeback from Indianapolis quarterback Matt Ryan.

Mills started slow as the offense went three-and-out during their first two drives. This included a third down pass to Chris Conley that was dropped but certainly could have used better ball placement from Mills to hit his receiver in stride.

The offense picked up after that and much of the second and third quarter featured Mills perfectly operating the innovative offense that offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton had preached all off-season. The team ran the ball out of multiple formations and frustrated Indianapolis linebackers with almost all of their passing sets coming out of play action.

The two touchdown passes from Mills both went to recently signed tight end OJ Howard. The first was a beautiful ball up the seem that featured some of the best placement of Mills young career while the second saw Mills exploit a broken coverage from the Colts following an excellent fake from play-action.

Mills, like the rest of his teammates, unfortunately stuttered during the fourth quarter. The team struggled to gain even first downs and Hamilton seemingly abandoned the play action once running back Rex Burkhead was unable to gain traction on the ground.

The fourth quarter and overtime both featured untimely sacks from Mills that reflected his relative youth at the position and might have severely hurt the team’s chances to win the game outright. When faced with a fourth-and-3 on the team’s final drive, coach Lovie Smith simply opted to punt and take the tie.

It was the kind of performance from Mills that left fans wanting to see more with no further conviction on No. 10’s status as their future franchise signal caller.

Next week Mills will face a loaded Denver Broncos defense, which will be a better barometer for where the second-year quarterback is at.

Houston Texans end opener vs. Indianapolis Colts with a tie that felt like a loss

Texans head coach Lovie Smith made some interesting decisions as his team’s late lead slipped away against the Colts.

The Houston Texans, we have been saying, might be a little spicier this season than expected. Though nobody expects Lovie Smith’s team to take the AFC South over the Indianapolis Colts or the Tennessee Titans, this Texans team is finally out of the Bill O’Brien era from a draft pick perspective, and they’ve done well to spackle over all the personnel mistakes O’Brien made when he was calling the shots.

[mm-video type=video id=01gc9kaw71v8cjm19r6z playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gc9kaw71v8cjm19r6z/01gc9kaw71v8cjm19r6z-21ab02688ab3a238ce9eaefaf31b346f.jpg]

This seemed to manifest itself early on in Houston’s Week 1 game against Indianapolis; the Texans had a 20-3 lead in the third quarter after Davis Mills hit tight end O.J. Howard with Howard’s second touchdown of the day.

However, Houston’s young defense then allowed the Colts to score 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, and that process ended with Matt Ryan’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Michael Pittman Jr. with 1:54 left in the game.

And then in overtime, nobody scored. Colts kicker Rodrigo Blankenship missed a 43-yard field goal with two minutes left in the fifth quarter, and the Texans took over at their own 32-yard line. They advanced all the way to the Colts’ 47-yard line, and then, on third-and-1 from the Indianapolis 47 with 40 seconds left, the decision was to give the ball to running back Rex Burkhead. The veteran lost two yards on the play, while preseason stud back Dameon Pierce, who had bullied the NFL to date, was not apparently an option.

Then, on fourth-and-3 from the Indy 49 and 26 seconds left, Smith made the call to punt for a tie. Which worked in the end, but the sequence of events didn’t make a ton of sense.

In his postgame presser, Smith bemoaned the lack of ability to close, and missed opportunities. We’ve got at least one missed opportunity that’s on you, Coach.

WATCH: Texans QB Davis Mills hits TE O.J. Howard for second touchdown against the Colts

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills threw his second touchdown pass of the day to tight end O.J. Howard.

The Houston Texans’ passing offense has come alive.

On a second-and-5 from the Colts’ 22-yard line, quarterback Davis Mills threw a touchdown pass to newly signed tight end O.J. Howard. The touchdown and extra point put the Texans ahead 20-3 over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 at NRG Stadium.

The Texans gave Howard a second chance after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released the former Alabama product. The Bucs sought to finalize their 53-man roster, and Howard got away.

The addition of Howard has given the Texans another red zone threat for Mills to work with. Through three quarters of the first game of the season, it appears to be a great combination.

 

O.J. Howard doing better with Davis Mills than Tom Brady

O.J. Howard and Davis Mills are burning the Indianapolis Colts

Go figure. or GOAT figure.

O.J. Howard goes from playing tight end for Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to working with Davis Mills and the Houston Texans.

And the former No. 1 pick out of Alabama is having himself a debut with Houston.

Howard has caught a pair of TD passes from Mills as the Texans are doing their best to ruin Matt Ryan’s first game as an Indianapolis Colt.

Howard had 3 TD receptions in 2020 and ’21 while playing in 21 games for the Bucs.

WATCH: Texans QB Davis Mills throws touchdown pass to TE O.J. Howard against the Colts

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills found newly signed tight end O.J. Howard for a 16-yard touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts.

Who would have thought O.J. Howard would have made such an immediate impact?

On a first-and-10 from the Houston Texans’ 16-yard line, quarterback Davis Mills dropped back and found the newly signed tight end for a touchdown pass on the right side. The play was reminiscent to what the Texans had run so well with Mills and the first-team offense in preseason.

The Texans took the lead over the Colts for the first time since 2019.

The score also is a kind of double-double situation for Houston as they will get the ball to start the second half, which would mitigate against whatever the Colts do on the ensuing drive.

Texans pleased to add O.J. Howard to help with tight end depth

Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith is pleased with how the team was able to address depth at the tight end position with the addition of O.J. Howard.

The Houston Texans needed to add another tight end, and they did so with the signing of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills tight end O.J. Howard.

The former Alabama product joins a group that includes veteran Pharaoh Brown and second-year Brevin Jordan.

Coach Lovie Smith told reporters Monday that the idea behind getting Howard was to have another good player at the position.

“You’re always trying to add good players, simple as that, and O.J. is a good player; a lot of talent,” said Smith. “He’s excited about being here. Got a chance to see him on the practice field today. That’s a spot we’ve talked an awful lot about, adding some depth to the tight end position. Being able to pick up a player like that late in the game like this, is pretty important.”

Howard caught 14 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown in 17 games for the Buccaneers in 2021, nine of which he started. The former first-rounder signed with the Bills on March 16 during free agency, but did not make the final roster at the end of preseason.

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Texans release WR Chris Conley to make room for TE O.J. Howard

The Houston Texans have released Chris Conley for the second time this week — this time to make room for tight end O.J. Howard.

The Houston Texans needed room on their 53-man roster for former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills tight end O.J. Howard, and receiver Chris Conley was the odd man out.

The Texans released Conley for the second time this week as they signed the former 2017 first-round pick from Alabama.

The Texans initially released Conley when they had to finalize their 53-man roster on Aug. 30. However, Houston decided to sign Conley to their active roster on Sept. 1.

While Conley was still technically not with the team, general manager Nick Caserio told reporters on Sept. 1 that there was “a pretty good shot” Conley would be back with the organization.

“I think Chris has been a professional since the day that he got here,” Caserio said. “He’s got a good attitude. He’s got a good approach. He’s well-respected by his teammates, well-respected by the coaching staff. I would expect Chris to probably be back around here probably sooner rather than later.”

For now, Conley is not with the Texans. The 6-3, 205-pound wideout caught 22 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns for Houston last season through 16 games, 10 of which he started.

O.J. Howard may quickly find himself starting for the Texans

@JohnHCrumpler elucidates how O.J. Howard’s skillset may meet the perfect opportunity with the Houston Texans’ run-first offense.

It was no secret entering the cut down deadline that the Houston Texans needed to find help for Davis Mills.

Specifically, their tight end group and wide receivers represented some of the shallowest in the entire NFL. The team was only rostering four wide receivers and two tight ends, a rather unacceptable situation in today’s pass heavy league and with the burden already placed on Mills to perform this year in what amounts to a full-season audition to become the team’s franchise quarterback.

Houston moved quickly to solve their issues at wide receiver, they used their third overall waiver claim on Tyler Johnson and some practice squad magic to elevate Chris Conley back onto the 53-man roster. In contrast, it appeared the team was content to stay put at tight end position with no sound of any waiver claims placed or workouts that the team was executing.

Yesterday, that news finally changed as word broke of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills tight end O.J. Howard flying to Houston for a workout with the expectation that a contract would be signed. This came almost 24 hours after Howard had reportedly been trying to strike a deal to join the reigning AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals.

It may have taken an entire offseason but Houston finally found their splashy tight end signing to hopefully elevate the group.

There’s a natural tendency to express caution with any signing that occurs this late into the off-season however there’s plenty of deserved optimism around the Howard signing that should have Houston fans excited. The Texans Wire had looked at the former Alabama tight end as a potential target for Nick Caserio since February and most of those points remain the same.

The 6-6, 251-pound passing target brings a first round pedigree and a physical presence that neither Pharaoh Brown nor Brevin Jordan currently offer the team. Howard was a nasty blocker and above average receiver during his time in Tampa Bay before suffering an Achilles injury in 2020. The injury not only sapped him of some explosiveness but also took off the same page from veteran quarterback Tom Brady, who clearly preferred throwing to Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate in two tight end formations.

Fortunately for Houston, Howard no longer has to appeal to the whims of the game’s best quarterback. Furthermore, his greatest strength is one that he still flashed plenty in both Tampa Bay and with Buffalo this past preseason. His strength to bully defenders and run blocking project as an excellent fit for offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton’s offense and should help to open up running lanes for rookie sensation Dameon Pierce. It’s a skillset that could see Howard starting games for Houston much sooner than many expect.

Brown has served as Houston’s primary blocking tight end and sat atop the depth chart as his position for the entire preseason. To his credit, Brown has put together a fantastic offseason and made an excellent case for why he should see plenty of playing time in 2022. It’s a situation however that is worth monitoring as Brown missed the entire preseason with a hamstring injury and has left the door open for playing time.

Jordan is a totally different tight end than his other two counterparts. The 6-3 Miami product is primarily known for his speed and pass catching ability, a skillset that didn’t exactly flash this offseason in the way Houston was hoping. Jordan still projects as the clear “pass-catching” tight-end when the team wants to use 12 personnel but isn’t the run-mauler that Lovie Smith’s offensive identity will crave.

The two question marks at his position make for a fascinating situation for Howard. His stock could not possibly be lower right now among the league, having seemingly failed to make both of the AFC’s top dogs in Buffalo and Cincinnati and being forced to come to the Texans for a more favorable situation. Can Howard’s historical talent, fierce run blocking, and desperation to make his claim in the league force him atop Houston’s depth chart? Or has the injury truly changed the dynamic in place for the sixth-year tight end?

Howard has the advantage of more natural talent and more experience in the league than either Brown or Jordan. His injury history and late arrival to Houston will make the competition truly interesting.

The run blocking on display in Buffalo and the fact that tight ends will likely project as the fourth or fifth receiving option when they’re on the field bode well for Howard. Hamilton and the Texans will just be asking for serviceable to above average route running and pass catching ability for Mills when the team has him in play on passing downs.

Howard may have the opportunity of a career here in a situation that not only plays to his strengths but will offer ample opportunity to show them off over the next four months. Fans can see how much Houston initially chooses to utilize their new tight end during the season opener on Sept. 11 against the Indianapolis Colts.

John Crumpler has written for the Texans Wire since 2019 and is a PFWA member. Follow him on Twitter @JohnHCrumpler and catch him on The Backpedal Podcast.