Takeaways from Day 1 at training camp
What we learned from the first day of training camp for the Texans:
Quick hits
• Lovie Smith said he normally opens training camp by addressing his team. But this season, he let rookie receiver John Metchie III talk to the team. Metchie revealed earlier this week that he was recently diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a rare blood cancer. He’ll likely miss the remainder of the season. Metchie told his teammates that he’d beat the disease and would return as soon as he could.
• Rookie cornerback Derek Stingley practiced Friday but remained limited. Caserio and Smith both said the plan is to gradually increase Stingley’s workload throughout training camp, as he comes off a Lisfranc injury (and surgery) to his foot. The Texans drafted Stingley third overall with the hopes he could be a lockdown corner and help a defense that finished 31st in the league in total defense. Stingley did not participate in 11-on-11 drills. Smith said he expects Stingley to be ready for Week 1.
• Receiver Brandin Cooks is an impressive player. He made a number of catches throughout Friday’s practice, including a leaping catch from Davis Mills in 11-on-11 drills. Cooks figures to be Mills’ go-to target as he was last season. He had 90 catches for 1,037 yards and six touchdowns in 2021.
• Defensive back Isaac Yiadom nearly intercepted quarterback Kyle Allen in 11-on-11 drills, but the ball fell out of his hands.
• Dameon Pierce received a lot of reps in practice and played well, catching a few passes out of the backfield.
• Defensive end Jonathan Greenard and offensive lineman Justin Britt did not have pads on. Both were limited as both are coming off injuries. If Greenard can stay healthy, he should be a major factor on defense. He had eight sacks, 10 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in 12 games in his sophomore season.
Jonathan M. Alexander
Rookie update
Naturally, the Texans’ nine total drafted rookies have more to learn as they catch up to speed with the rest of the veterans, but Smith said that “we feel like they’re right on schedule.” Many of them will be competing to contribute heavily, if not start, on a franchise entering the second year of a massive rebuild. Kenyon Green, Houston’s No. 15 overall selection, could eventually start at left guard on an offensive line that must improve in 2022. But the Houston native and former utility Texas A&M lineman is still getting acclimated as training camp begins. “Kenyon Green is going to help us win a lot of games,” Smith said. “We’re going to get him into the mix as soon as we can.”
Brooks Kubena
Anderson situation
Texans GM Nick Caserio gave an update on running back Darius Anderson, who posted bond Tuesday after a woman accused him of breaking into her Museum District townhouse and chasing her to an upstairs bathroom while threatening her. “I would say it’s an ongoing investigation,” Caserio said. “I would say there’s a lot of misinformation that’s been out there from the beginning. So really don’t want to get into a lot of speculation. Darius has cooperated every step of the way, so at some point there’ll be a resolution. But we don’t have any additional comment.” Anderson was at training camp Friday. Anderson is denying his former girlfriend’s account that he broke into her home and tried to attack her, his lawyer said. He hopes to “clear his name as soon as possible,” according to his lawyer.
Brooks Kubena
Metchie diagnosis
Caserio said Metchie’s cancer diagnosis was new. It didn’t come up during the spring. He was not in Houston when it was discovered. Caserio said the second-round pick’s “attitude has been great” and the coaching staff has been in touch to try to keep him engaged as he battles leukemia. “Fortunately, we’re blessed to have some of the best doctors, the best hospitals in the city of Houston,” Caserio said. “So he’s been under great care.”
Jonathan M. Alexander
and Brooks Kubena