Fullback is a dying breed in the NFL, but the endangered position may find a preserve on the Houston Texans’ roster.
Tight end Paul Quessenberry has been taking snaps as a fullback in the Texans’ offense. The former Navy Midshipman has caught one pass for three yards throughout the preseason. Quessenberry has tallied 33 snaps on offense and eight snaps on special teams.
Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly told reporters after Wednesday’s practice at Houston Methodist Training Center that Quessenberry has done a decent job of following orders from coaching.
“He’s done a good job being physical,” Kelly said. “He’s done everything we’ve asked. Today, we’re out here and he’s been running different positions. He’s smart, he works his butt off, and we’re pleased with Paul. He’s done a really good job for us.”
Quessenberry’s brother, David Quessenberry, was a former 2013 sixth-round pick for the Texans who beat cancer and played two games for the team from 2013-17.
The Texans last had a true fullback on the roster from 2019-20 when Cullen Gillaspia, a 2019 seventh-round pick from Texas A&M and Katy Taylor High School, played 23 games for the club. Gillaspia was also a key part of special teams.
Quessenbery, an undrafted free agent, does have familiarity with general manager Nick Caserio as he was on and off the New England Patriots’ practice squad last season.