Texans need to have game plan for rookie TE Cade Stover in AFC Playoffs

The Houston Texans could target rookie tight end Cade Stover heading into the postseason.

Last playoff season. C.J. Stroud connected with tight end Brevin Jordan for a 76-yard touchdown in the wild-card round against the Cleveland Browns.

That score wasn’t the deciding factor, but it catapulted the Houston Texans’ run in the second half to a dominant win at NRG Stadium.

In a sense, the Texans must target a tight end not named Dalton Schultz this postseason when the wild-card game commences next week, though Jordan won’t take the field since he’s still recovering from a torn ACL.

Who should be the force? Rookie force and fellow Ohio State Cade Stover might be the top option against either the Pittsburgh Steelers or Los Angeles Chargers if Houston hopes to win.

Getting Stover more involved should benefit all sides. The Texans have struggled to find a consistent weapon over the middle since Stefon Diggs’ season-ending torn ACL. Already emphasizing the role of a 12-personnel,  getting the rookie more targets on early downs.

Still developing into a full-fledge tight end, Stover’s hands remain an asset to his potential. He’s averaging 8.9 yards per reception and has already scored a touchdown in his young career.

Stover’s previous relationship with Stroud from their time together at Ohio State factored into Houston’s trade-up and selection of him last April. It should factor into the game plan for the postseason.

The Texans close out their 2024 regular season on the road against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff from Nashville is scheduled for noon CT.