Texans Training Camp Notebook: John Metchie III 'Grateful' For Return
HOUSTON — Before the Houston Texans open up training camp on July 26, general manager Nick Caserio said John Metchie III was "ready to go."
"This entire year has been eventful," Metchie said. "It's had its ups and downs, but being back on the field feels great. It's been a long way coming, but it definitely feels like a blessing, and it's something you're grateful for every day."
The Texans held Day 7 of training camp Thursday morning at the Houston Methodist Training Center. And similar to the past six days, Metchie was a standout.
Metchie described his first training camp experience as a "blessing." It marks the first time he has consistently been on the field after tearing his ACL during the 2021 SEC Championship Game.
But more importantly, the first seven days of training camp came a year after his leukemia diagnosis, which sidelined him for his entire rookie season.
Metchie said there were many moments he doubted his return. However, due to his faith, family and encouragement from teammates, Metchie had a strong support system to lean upon.
During his time receiving treatment at MD Anderson, Metchie said he found additional support from patients battling a similar fight.
"I was very blessed and grateful to have one of the most curable forms of cancer," Metchie said. "I didn’t lose my hair and a lot of stuff like that. So, I was very grateful and very blessed for that.
"In situations where you are forced to be faced with your own mortality, you see what it is you believe in and who it is you believe in. So, my faith in God is really what kept me comfortable in a belief that this was all for a greater purpose and a bigger reason."
By overcoming cancer, Metchie feels he has beaten the toughest battle of his life. And now, he is living free and confident ahead of his long-awaited debut with the Texans.
A week into camp, Metchie has displayed the skill set that made him an intriguing prospect coming out of Alabama during the 2022 NFL Draft. And despite his long layoff, coach DeMeco Ryans has not been surprised by Metchie's play.
"I’ve seen Metchie play a lot of football at Alabama – seen him make a lot of plays and that’s who he is," Ryans said. "To see John Metchie and what he’s been through and to see his attitude every day, he’s uplifting everyone’s spirit. I just love that kid and he’s doing an excellent job for us."
Scott Quessenberry goes down with major injury: Scott Quessenberry sustained a lower leg injury during Day 7 of training camp. The Texans carted Quessenberry off the field after he went down with the injury during red zone drills.
Ryans did not have any information immediately after practice. But as first reported by the Houston Chronicle, Quessenberry tore his ACL and MCL and his season is likely over.
"With training camp and injuries, those types of things happen," Ryans said. "As we evaluate things from a sports performance side, we always try to make sure our guys have the best things available when it comes to taking care of their bodies. We offer these guys everything they need when it comes to taking care of their bodies."
Quessenberry has taken first-team reps at center since the start of voluntary OTAs in May. Despite a few mishaps, he has made improvements when compared to his production last season.
In Quessenberry's absence, the rookie offensive lineman Juice Scruggs stepped in to fill the void.
Jordan Murray stepping up in the absence of Dalton Schultz and others: Tight end Dalton Schultz missed his third consecutive day of practice. Schultz's absence, along with Brevin Jordan and Teagan Quitoriano sidelined, has created an opportunity for undrafted rookie prospect Jordan Murray.
During 11-on-11, Murray completed a pair of passes from quarterback Davis Mills. He also created an open lane for running backs Mike Boone and Dare Ogunbowale. Murray's blocking helped both players rush for a projected 10 yards.
Since Monday's practice, Murray has played a significant role in keeping Ryans pleased with the production of the tight end unit, despite the absence of Schultz. Murray is an undrafted rookie who played two seasons at the University of Hawaii.
"I've seen a lot of guys who are well coached," Ryans said. "I think Jake Moreland has done a really great job coaching those guys. Whoever has stepped in, guys know what to do, and they perform well.
"We have seen a lot of different guys at that position. But they are doing their job very well."
QUICK HITS
- Quarterback C.J. Stroud had his best day of camp. He finished the morning going 6-of-9. One of his attempts came during red zone drills, which ended with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Nico Collins.
- The defense finished Day 7 of practice without a takeaway, but they did manage to record a handful of sacks. The offensive line failed to pick up a blitz during 11-on-11, which led to Jalen Pitre and Desmond King II recording sacks, respectively.
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