Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is very familiar with receiver Chad Hansen; the two were workout buddies during the offseason with the former 2017 New York Jets fourth-round pick following the two-time Pro Bowler around at his various workout locations in the offseason.
Hansen collected two catches for 55 yards and a touchdown, the first of his career, in the Texans’ 27-20 loss. In the past three games, Hansen’s first since Dec. 31, 2017, when he was a rookie in New York, the 6-2, 202-pound wideout has produced 14 catches for 212 yards and a score.
Watson is pleased to see the gains Hansen is making on the field.
“Yeah, most definitely it was good for him,” Watson said of Hansen’s 38-yard touchdown in the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. “I was hoping that he didn’t run out of bounds. He kept running full speed so I kind of fit a two ball and kind of left it inside so he could re-direct and he did a good job of stopping on a dime to catch the ball.”
What excites Watson about Hansen’s effort is that it is a payoff for all of the hard work the 25-year-old has put in, not only in the 2020 offseason, but ever since his arrival in Houston back in training camp of 2019.
Said Watson: “I’m excited for him and this is what he’s been working for to be able to play at a high level against a playoff team and be productive. He’s definitely a guy that’s helping us be successful and just going to continue to grow.”
Hansen was signed to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s game with Indianapolis. Unlike the first two games, Hansen won’t revert back to the practice squad. As a result, he can stay on the active roster and the Texans can use their open practice squad spot for another player of interest.
[listicle id=57577]