Naomi Feinstein
2 min read • August 04, 2022
Posted in
2021 record: 4-13 | 2022 FanDuel O/U win total: 4.5
The Houston Texans are beginning training camp this week after last weekend’s unfortunate news. First round pick John Metchie III has been diagnosed with leukemia. He is expected to make a full recovery but will be out at least this year.
At the same time, there is a lot of excitement for second-year quarterback Davis Mills’ first full year as a starter in the league. Mills set the franchise record for a rookie in passing yards with 2,664 yards. The former Stanford quarterback finished with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Two lineman with injury histories are expected to begin the year as the starting bookends blocking for Mills. Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard are both young, but have had significant missed games over their NFL careers.
Tunsil only played in five games last season as a result of a thumb injury. If they can stay healthy, the duo can become reliable pass-protectors for years to come. However, their run-blocking needs to improve.
Marlon Mack is assuming the starting running back duties for the Texans who finished last in the league in rushing yards per game with 83.6 yards. The former Indianapolis Colts running back spent last season playing behind Jonathan Taylor as he was making his way back from his 2020 Achilles injury. His best season came in 2019 where he ran for 1,091 yards, 8 touchdowns in just 14 games.
The only potential risk on offense is if Davis Mills goes down. His two top backups Kyle Allen and Jeff Driskel haven’t always been healthy. When Allen was with the Commanders in 2020, he suffered a gruesome ankle injury. He was able to return to football despite some predicting his career may be over. Hybrid quarterback Driskel who joined the Texans in a Taysom-Hill capacity suffered a broken collarbone last December.
Defensive end Jonathan Greenard’s season was cut short in 2021 because of a foot injury. In 14 games, the third-year defensive end contributed 33 combined tackles, 8 sacks, 4 pass deflections and 2 forced fumbles. Head coach Lovie Smith previously said Greenard should be back in time for training camp following his offseason foot surgery.
The Texans drafted with their third overall pick Derrick Stingley Jr. out of LSU. While an elite talent, Stingley has only played in 10 games over the past two seasons as he has been limited by injury. During his junior season in 2021, the cornerback suffered a Lisfranc injury in his foot, which ended his season just after three games. He has since recovered and is ready for the start of the season and the opening of Texans training camp.
Written by Naomi Feinstein
