The Texans have completed one week of Training Camp and it\u2019s been a learning experience to say the least. Between the rookies showcasing their skills, the injuries, and the veteran additions<\/p>\n
Stock Down: Texans PR Department<\/p>\n
As much as I prefer to start on an upward trajectory, this has to be addressed.<\/p>\n
The Texans constrained their media affiliates on what they can tweet and communicate regarding depth charts, player groupings, and roster configuration. Do they not realize there are eight practices open to the public and preseason games? Fans will find out sooner or later what they\u2019re hiding. My hunch, first-rounder Keylan Rutledge doesn\u2019t look good and is not participating with the first or second string.<\/p>\n
This is more illogical than embarrassing\u2026 and it\u2019s fairly embarrassing. There are eight practices open to the public, who have no media affiliation nor restriction on posting on social media. Word is going to get out one way or another as to what\u2019s happening at camp. If anything, trying to conceal it will only make fans search harder.<\/p>\n
Stock Up: Justin Watson, WR<\/p>\n
Watson in very short time and with even less production wedged himself onto this roster as an integral part of the system. His blocking and route running are highly valued assets by Offensive Coordinator Nick Caley. Plus, the injury to Jaylin Noel opened up more reps for the veteran. Depending on Noel\u2019s timeline, Watson has the inside track to not only make the roster but start as the WR3.<\/p>\n
Stock Down: Special Teams<\/p>\n
Jaylin Noel, Jake Hansen, and M.J. Stewart all are hurt and likely out for quite a while. They were slated to be significant contributors on special teams this season and will miss time due to various injuries. Noel is Houston\u2019s kick and punt returner, Hansen is a tackling menace, and Stewart is phenomenal on kickoff. Noel and Stewart should be back later this season, but this phrase has been negatively impacted and we aren\u2019t three days into practice.<\/p>\n
Stock Up: Marte Mapu and Wade Woodaz.<\/p>\n
Thanks to injury attrition, MM and WW have gone from the fringes of the roster to the backup linebackers on defense. The foot injury to Jake Hansen and quad injury to E.J. Speed immediately zapped the depth of this group. Now both Mapu and Woodaz must step up to assume the role and reps of the two injured linebackers.<\/p>\n