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Dameon Pierce Dameon Pierce Expected to contribute this year Thu, May 2, 2024, 7:11 PM GM Nick Caserio said Tuesday that he expects Pierce to be "a big part" of the Houston offense this upcoming season, Tyler Milner of Sports Radio 610 reports. Analysis: The 2022 fourth-round pick ran for 939 yards in 13 games his rookie season but then managed just 416 yards in 14 games last year. Pierce nosedived from 4.3 YPC to 2.9, losing his starting job to Devin Singletary in the process. Singletary is with the Giants now, but Pierce nonetheless appear destined for a backup role after the Texans traded for Joe Mixon and gave him an extension. The team then waited until the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft to select a running back, taking a player (Louisville's Jawhar Jordan) who six months older than Pierce and might only be used as a kick return specialist. In other words, Pierce has a nice opportunity to keep the second spot on the depth chart despite his lousy performance last season, though Dare Ogunbowale remains a threat to get playing time in obvious pass situations.
Tank Dell Tank Dell Sustains minor wound in shooting Sun, Apr 28, 2024, 3:49 PM The Texans have issued a statement relaying that Dell -- who sustained a minor wound as the result of a shooting in Florida on Saturday night -- has been released from the hospital and is in good spirits. Analysis: Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Dell is expected to make a full recovery from the wound he sustained during Saturday night's incident at a nightclub in Sanford, Fla. Dell is coming off a 2023 regular season in which he recorded a 47-709-7 receiving line in 11 games prior to sustaining a season-ending broken fibula Dec. 3.
Dare Ogunbowale Dare Ogunbowale Returning to Houston Sun, Apr 21, 2024, 10:32 AM Ogunbowale re-signed with the Texans on a one-year deal Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Analysis: After stints in Washington, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville, Ogunbowale will enter his third straight season in Houston. Primarily used on offense as a third-down back, the journeyman tallied 53 total yards in 2023 while also notably converting on a 29-yard field goal attempt. He will presumably compete for the No. 3 spot on the running back depth chart behind Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce.
Stefon Diggs Stefon Diggs Can become a free agent next season Thu, Apr 4, 2024, 3:45 PM As part of the trade the sent him to the Texans, Diggs had the final three years of his contract wiped out, which allows the wideout to become a free agent after the 2024 season, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Analysis: The report adds that the Texans also took $3.5 million that was guaranteed to Diggs next year and shifted it to this coming season, which assures the 30-year-old of $22.52 million in guaranteed money in 2024. With the reported contract adjustment, Schefter notes that the Texans anticipate getting a highly motivated version of Diggs, given that he'll be in position to seek another long-term deal next year. In his new locale, Diggs is slated to head a Houston pass-catching corps that also features fellow WRs Nico Collins and Tank Dell, as well as TE Dalton Schultz. While Diggs will have some legit competition for targets, he should nonetheless see steady weekly volume from ascending second-year QB C.J. Stroud, a context that will keep the 2015 fifth-rounder firmly on the fantasy radar.
Tank Dell Tank Dell Gets serious target competition Wed, Apr 3, 2024, 2:28 PM Dell (leg) and Nico Collins are part of a potent Texans receiver group that now includes Stefon Diggs, whom Houston acquired from Buffalo on Wednesday, ESPN.com reports. Analysis: Dell is now even less likely to match his massive target volume from the four-game stretch preceding his season-ending leg fracture last season -- he produced a 25-369-5 receiving line on 43 targets Weeks 9 through 12. He should still plenty of playing time, and he'll be part of an offense that could rank near the top of the league in pass rate and/or usage of three-wideout formations. While Dell and Nico Collins both had more success than Diggs working downfield last season, there's little doubt that Diggs' presence will at the very least cut into some of the quick or schemed targets that boost a player's fantasy value. The leg injury seems like less of a concern, as Dell was said to be running at full speed in mid-March and on track to participate in spring practices. The team should have fairly flat target distribution if all the main contributors stay healthy, with running back Joe Mixon likely seeing about 3-to-4 targets per game and tight end Dalton Schultz a bit more than that. The big question -- which will remain an unknown for now -- is how many wideout targets are up for grabs and how they're distributed among Dell, Diggs and Collins.
Nico Collins Nico Collins Joined by Diggs in Houston Wed, Apr 3, 2024, 2:16 PM Collins and Tank Dell will face increased target competition in 2024 after the Texans acquired Stefon Diggs from the Bills on Wednesday, ESPN.com reports. Analysis: C.J. Stroud had one of the best rookie seasons ever by an NFL quarterback and now has arguably the best group of pass catchers in the league. Diggs is coming off six consecutive seasons with at least six touchdowns and more than 1,000 yards, and he's now joining an offense in which Collins put up 80-1,297-8 receiving line on 109 targets (15 games) and Dell produced a 47-709-7 line on 75 targets (11 games). The Texans also have useful pass catchers at running back and tight end with Joe Mixon and Dalton Schultz, creating a scenario that'll make it hard for some (or all) of the players to get as many passing-game looks as they might on other teams. On the other hand, Houston's offense has a chance to be one of the most efficient in the league, and adding Diggs could encourage offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik to call pass plays at a higher rate than he did last season.
Stefon Diggs Stefon Diggs Dealt to Houston Wed, Apr 3, 2024, 10:07 AM The Texans acquired Diggs, a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick from the Bills on Wednesday in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Analysis: Diggs spent the last four years in Buffalo, where he averaged 111.3 catches for 1,343 yards and 9.3 touchdowns without ever missing a game. His production fell off a cliff in the second half of 2023, however, and there had been rumblings for a few years now about his hot-and-cold relationship with quarterback Josh Allen and other members of the Buffalo organization. Diggs will now be paired with another franchise quarterback, Houston's C.J. Stroud, but in an offense that offers stronger target competition following breakout 2023 performances from wideouts Nico Collins and Tank Dell.
Steven Sims Steven Sims Re-signing with Houston Wed, Mar 20, 2024, 3:54 PM The Texans are in line to re-sign Sims, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Analysis: In three regular-season games with the Texans in 2023, Sims caught three passes for 25 yards and ran once for one yard. This coming season, the 26-year-old will continue to provide Houston with wideout depth, as well as offer the team a punt and kickoff return option.
Tank Dell Tank Dell Running full speed already Mon, Mar 18, 2024, 8:22 AM Dell (leg) recently resumed workouts with private coach Delfonte Diamond, who said the wide receiver will be "more than ready" for OTAs this spring, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Analysis: Diamond told KPRC 2 that Dell "hasn't lost a beat" and has been running full speed. The workouts reportedly included sprints and sharp cuts, demonstrating that the 24-year-old has made great progress since a broken fibula ended his rookie season Dec. 3. Prior to the injury, Dell had three 100-yard performances and seven touchdowns in 10 games, including a four-week stretch with 369 receiving yards, 43 targets and five TDs right before the game he left early. He, Nico Collins and TE Dalton Schultz figure to be the top pass catchers for second-year QB C.J. Stroud in 2024.
Joe Mixon Joe Mixon Gets extension from Houston Thu, Mar 14, 2024, 4:56 PM Mixon has signed a three-year contract extension with the Texans, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Analysis: Per Schefter, Mixon's reported deal with Houston -- which runs through 2026, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle -- is for $27 million and includes $13 million guaranteed. The Bengals sent the 27-year-old to the Texans in exchange for a 2024 seventh-rounder, setting the stage for Mixon to take over as the lead back in his new locale, replacing Devin Singletary, who signed on with the Giants in free agency. Also in the mix for carries for Houston will be 2022 fourth-rounder Dameon Pierce, but the team's decision to extend Mixon clearly demonstrates confidence in the 2017 second-rounder, a context that should allow him to maintain steady weekly volume in 2024.
Noah Brown Noah Brown Staying with Houston Tue, Mar 12, 2024, 3:52 PM Brown (shoulder) is slated to sign a one-year contract with the Texans worth $5 million, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Analysis: Over the course of 10 regular-season games with Houston in 2023, Brown recorded 33 catches on 55 targets for 567 yards and two TDs. The 28-year-old wideout was placed on IR twice last season, but assuming he has moved past his injury issues, Brown will have a chance to reclaim a complementary role in a C.J. Stroud-led offense that also includes Nico Collins, Tank Dell (fibula) and tight end Dalton Schultz.
Dameon Pierce Dameon Pierce Joined in backfield by Mixon Tue, Mar 12, 2024, 3:47 PM Pierce looks slated to work as the backup to Joe Mixon, DJ Bien-Amie of ESPN reports. Analysis: Pierce will no longer have to compete with Devin Singletary, who won the starting job down the stretch in 2023 before leaving in free agency, but he now faces a stronger obstacle to touches in the form of Mixon, who had 257 carries for 1,034 yards and nine TDs last year and boasts a true three-down skillset. As a rookie in 2022, Pierce burst onto the scene with 939 rushing yards, but he disappointed in Year 2 with just 416 yards on the ground. The 2022 fourth-round pick could bounce back if he can better adjust to the running scheme introduced last offseason by offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, but the team could also add more competition to this backfield ahead of Week 1.
Joe Mixon Joe Mixon Headed to Houston Tue, Mar 12, 2024, 10:35 AM The Bengals are slated to trade Mixon to the Texans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Analysis: Previous reports indicated that Cincinnati intended to release Mixon, but instead the running back is in line to be dealt to Houston for a conditional seventh-round pick, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. The 27-year-old will thus fill the void created by the departure of Devin Singletary and is on track to lead a Texans backfield that also includes Dameon Pierce. In 17 regular-season games with the Bengals in 2023, Mixon had 257 carries for 1,034 yards and nine TDs to go along with 52 catches for 376 yards and three more scores.
Noah Brown Noah Brown Re-signing with Houston Mon, Mar 11, 2024, 7:58 PM Brown plans to sign a new contract with the Texans, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Brown had his most efficient season as a pro in 2023, recording 33 catches for 567 yards on 55 targets over 10 games. Now he's set to run it back with C.J. Stroud in Houston in 2024 and will look to maintain last year's level of success over the course of a full season.
Dalton Schultz Dalton Schultz Signs three-year extension Tue, Mar 5, 2024, 12:16 PM The Texans and Schultz agreed to terms on a three-year, $36 million contract extension on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Analysis: Schultz will stick around with C.J. Stroud for the foreseeable future on a new deal that includes $23.5 million in guarantees, per Rapoport. Had he not been re-signed Schultz would've arguably been the top tight end of this free agency cycle, and keeping the pass-catching corps that Stroud found success with as a rookie intact makes complete sense for Houston. Across 15 regular-season games in 2023, Schultz secured 59 of 88 targets for 635 yards and five scores.
Tank Dell Tank Dell Expects to participate in OTAs Thu, Feb 22, 2024, 11:22 AM Dell (fibula) noted earlier this month that he expects to join his teammates when the Texans take the field for OTAs this spring, Aaron Wilson, KPRC 2 Houston reports. Analysis: Per the report, Dell, who is reportedly making a speedy recovery from a broken fibula he sustained Dec. 3 against the Broncos, is expected to be a full participant in the Texans' offseason conditioning program. Beyond that, the 2023 third-rounder indicates he hopes to "hit the ground running" once Houston's OTAs commence this spring. At that stage, however, it remains to be seen how close to 100 percent Dell will be, but barring any setbacks, the 24-year-old wide receiver should be good to go ahead of Week 1, at which point he'll profile as one of QB C.J. Stroud's primary passing targets this coming season.
Tank Dell Tank Dell Making progress Thu, Feb 22, 2024, 10:09 AM Dell (lower leg) expects to return to the field when the Texans hold their first Organized Team Activities this spring, Michael Shapiro of the Houston Chronicle reports. Analysis: Prior to suffering a season-ending fibula injury in Week 13 last season, Dell recorded 47 catches on 75 targets for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games, including three 100-yard performances. Looking ahead, the 2023 third-rounder -- whose recovery is reportedly on track -- is poised to reclaim a key role alongside fellow WR Nico Collins in Houston's C.J. Stroud-helmed passing offense.
Tank Dell Tank Dell Plans to practice this spring Mon, Feb 19, 2024, 1:12 PM Dell (leg) is making good progress in his recovery from a broken fibula and expects to be ready for OTAs this spring, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Analysis: Ten and a half weeks removed from surgery, Dell was limited to coaching at Travis Scott's Cactus Jack Foundation celebrity softball game last Thursday, though the wide receiver moved around normally while playing catch with other participants. He started pool work in January, and there hasn't been any report of significant ligament or muscular damage accompanying his broken fibula. Dell plans to participate in spring practices and should be ready for training camp even if the Texans want him to slow-play things until then.
C.J. Stroud C.J. Stroud Wins Offensive Rookie of the Year Thu, Feb 8, 2024, 8:25 PM Stroud was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Analysis: The result isn't all that surprising after Stroud posted a 23:5 TD:INT while averaging 8.2 yards per attempt in his rookie season. Perhaps even more impressive was the role he played in the Texans' seven-win improvement from the 2022 campaign. Stroud bested other impressive performances from rookies, including Bijan Robinson, Puka Nacua, Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Tank Dell Tank Dell Coming along well Wed, Feb 7, 2024, 11:51 AM Dell (leg) started light pool work in January, with Will Kunkel of FOX 26 Houston reporting that doctors are pleased by the wide receiver's rehab progress so far. Analysis: Kunkel notes that Dell is still a long ways away from game shape and wouldn't have any shot to play if the Texans were in the Super Bowl. The third-round pick suffered a broken fibula Week 13 of his rookie season, following four consecutive games with at least eight targets, 50 yards and one touchdown. Dell finished the year averaging 4.3 catches for 54.5 yards and 0.64 TDs per game, despite exiting two games early with injuries and playing only 48 percent of snaps on offense Week 1. Not counting those three games, Dell averaged 5.1 catches for 77.3 yards and 0.88 touchdowns on 8.5 targets -- essentially WR1 production for fantasy. There hasn't been much information on his rehab, but it does seem like a good sign that he had surgery Dec. 4, just one day after suffering the injury. The Houston offense appears in good hands moving forward with C.J. Stroud throwing passes to Dell and fellow 2023 breakout star Nico Collins.