Texans Training Camp Notebook: WR John Metchie III 'Ready To Go'
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans held Day 1 of training camp at the Houston Methodist Training Center. And for the first time since being drafted, John Metchie III was a full participant.
"Having Metchie out there was awesome to see," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "Seeing a guy who's been through so [much], just a credit to him and the work that he's put in. It's just a credit to his work ethic and how relentless he's been in this process. With no cameras on him, he's been putting in the work, and it's encouraging to see. I'm happy to have him out."
Metchie made his highly anticipated return Wednesday morning. It came a year after he revealed that his battle with leukemia had sidelined him for the entire 2022 season. The news came during Metchie's ongoing ACL rehab after he sustained the injury during the 2021 SEC Championship Game.
Metchie planned to return to the field during mandatory camp in June, but a hamstring injury sustained during voluntary workouts prolonged his absence.
During his first full day of training camp, Metchie split reps between the first and second team units. He did not display the skill set that made him a highly sought-after receiver coming out of Alabama. But Metchie did win his one-on-one battles coming off the line of scrimmage in the slot.
The Texans drafted Metchie in the second round (pick No. 44) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He had established himself as arguably the top wide receiver in the SEC in 2021, where he helped 'Bama to a 13-2 record in his final season, with 96 catches for a career-best 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns.
Ryans described Metchie as an outstanding young man who has a big smile and great energy every moment he is around the team. Metchie will help improve Houston's subpar wide receiving corps as an additional target for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud to utilize in the passing game.
"He's clear to participate here in training camp — John is ready to go," general manager Nick Caserio said. "He's cleared. He's ready to practice. I'm sure he's anxious and excited to be back out on the field."
C.J. Stroud takes the majority of first-team reps
Caserio and Ryans reiterated that Stroud and Davis Mills will compete for the starting quarterback job. But the rookie quarterback from Ohio State took the majority of first-team reps during day one of camp.
Stroud had an average morning during team scrimmages. Most of his completions came as the result of intermediate passes. Yet, Stroud had his share of struggles on deep-ball pass attempts, where he went 2-for-5.
The highlight of the day for Stroud came when he connected with wide receiver Nico Collins for a 15-yard gain over the top of cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. Mills's day was similar to Stroud's play, but he was less aggressive attempting passes down the field.
"C.J. is doing fine," Ryans said. "He is progressing just as he should. There is a lot of work to do. Today was the first day because all we had were spring practices. We want to see improvements every day."
Kenyon Green limited in return
Metchie was not the only player who made a long-awaited return to the practice field. Day 1 of camp brought the return of Kenyon Green. The second-year offensive lineman was in attendance during practice but did not participate in team activities.
A knee procedure in March forced Green to miss OTAs and mandatory camp. He struggled to adapt to the NFL during his rookie season. In 15 games played, Green finished the year with an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 37.7 while allowing four sacks and a dozen penalties.
QUICK HITS
-Cornerback Steven Nelson was in attendance despite the lingering displeasure of his contract. Caserio said he and Nelson have had conversations but decided to keep their discussions internal.
-There has been a lot of talk surrounding the talent level of the Texans' wide receiving corps. Houston does not have a No. 1 wide receiver. But the first day of training camp demonstrated a receiver group by committee. Several wideouts made plays during practice, which included a double coverage reception by rookie wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson.
-Texans legend Jonathan Joseph was in attendance for the first day of training camp. Joseph is among several participants who will join the Texans' coaching staff during training camp as part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching and Nunn-Wooten Scouting Fellowships.
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