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Houston Texans tight end Kahale Warring didn’t have a rookie season in 2019 due to his placement on injured reserve. However, his growth from year one to year two has been evident.
According to tight end Darren Fells, the 6-5, 250-pound former water polo player has taken strides in his development during the advent of the 2020 season.
“He’s definitely made huge growth this year,” Fells said. “He’s gotten a lot of opportunity compared to last year where he got hurt and didn’t have the opportunity to grow as a player. He’s been out there and I’ve seen a lot of growth from him.”
One of the first successes Warring obtained was the third and final tight end spot on the Texans’ 53-man roster. Warring beat out former 2018 sixth-round pick Jordan Thomas for the roster spot. Thomas is now on the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad.
What Thomas had that Warring didn’t is a track record with quarterback Deshaun Watson. Thomas caught four touchdown passes from Watson in his rookie season, and actually had the role Fells wrested away in 2019. Thomas sustained a rib injury that landed him on injured reserve last season and derailed his second season.
Warring is entering his second season, but it will be his first in terms of playing time. Nonetheless, Fells sees the potential in Warring.
Said Fells: “He’s always been an extremely talented player. It was just having to grow into the league not being able to play in the games, it’s tough to develop as a player when you don’t have that. But I’ve seen him grow a lot.”
The Texans may need Warring more for blocking and special teams play, but he could get his chances if the situation calls for it. If Warring can present himself as a dependable target for Watson, the Texans will have another athletic tight end in the passing game.