Potential options for Texans at Slot Receiver

The Houston Texans are looking to replace rookie wide receiver John Metchie III.

Just before training camp began, Metchie was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

The Texans will likely evaluate their potential options currently on the roster throughout training camp and see if there is already a viable option in the building. A few players to watch are receivers Phillip Dorsett, Johnny Johnson III, Davion Davis and Connor Wedington.

Dorsett developed significant chemistry with quarterback Davis Mills in 2021 until Dorsett landed on IR with a foot injury and missed the remainder of the season. Dorsett impressed throughout the early part of the offseason and could earn some big snaps in 2021 with an impressive training camp.

Johnson signed with Houston earlier this offseason as an undrafted free agent from Oregon and will compete for a spot on the roster throughout training camp and preseason. Johnson’s best season in college came in 2019 when he caught 57 passes for 836 yards and seven touchdowns.

In 2021, Davis had the opportunity to play in Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks. Davis passed for 17 yards in the first quarter but unfortunately broke his leg on the same play. Davis is in perfect health and has a chance to make a name for himself over the next few weeks.

Wedington will also be competing for a roster spot throughout training camp and pre-season. One advantage Wedington has over a few other receivers who are in the same position is his familiarity with Davis Mills. Wedington and Mills played together at Stanford, and they were even roommates.

Another potential option the Texans could consider is veteran receiver Cole Beasley.

Beasley, 33, has played the past three seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He had his most productive season in 2020 when he had 82 receptions for 967 yards and four touchdowns. Beasley can still produce at a high level and his veteran presence could benefit Mills, who will need all the help he can get.

It will be interesting to see how the Texans approach the slot position going forward. The Texans could find a hidden gem throughout training camp and preseason or sign a receiver on the street, either way, someone has to step in to make Houston’s offense better in 2022.