[jwplayer fenoeK5t]
Like all the inns in Bethlehem, there’s no room on the Houston Texans’ roster for another tight end.
Third-year Jordan Akins is developing into the athletic threat that can work the seams, and Darren Fells at 6-7, 275 pounds is a huge red target for quarterback Deshaun Watson. Jordan Thomas, Kahale Warring, and Dylan Stapleton are battling it out for who will be No. 3 on the depth chart.
Don’t tell Thomas. The former 2018 sixth-round pick was on point in the first Texans padded practice of training camp, and even drew praise from Watson.
“He adds everything,” Watson said. “He can play outside, inside, blocking, short, intermediate routes, long. He has the size and the speed. He’s 6-6 and 255 pounds that can run a 4.5 or 4.6. He’s a guy that’s very talented and has so much potential.”
Fells is enjoying a role in the Texans offense that Thomas carved out in his rookie year. The former Mississippi State Bulldog caught four touchdown passes, all in the red zone, and provided Watson with a big target inside the 20-yard line.
Thomas’ second season was derailed in the preseason when he sustained a rib injury that forced him onto injured reserve to start the season. As a result, he was unable to see any action until Week 12 in the club’s rematch with the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football at NRG Stadium. Thomas finished the year with a lone catch for eight yards that he collected in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans when Houston was resting its front line starters and contributors.
However, Watson can see that Thomas has not given up on the prospect of being an impactful part of the offense.
Said Watson: “He’s been working, you can tell. He came back ready and prepared for this camp. He’s ready to go. Whenever he gets his opportunity, I’m definitely going to give him a shot. He’s been capitalizing on those.”
The Texans’ philosophy in 2020 is to surround Watson with as many weapons as possible to make the best decision where to place the football. If Thomas provides another massive target in the red zone, it can only lead to better decisions from Watson.
[vertical-gallery id=52429]