The Houston Texans may be reinserting another weapon to their offense for Deshaun Watson to throw to. After missing the first week of the season, Keke Coutee is trending towards being active in Week 2.
Coutee suffered an ankle injury in the first preseason game and was sidelined for nearly a month. Now, with the elusive receiver being a full participant in practice this week, it seems as if he will return on Sunday.
The Texans selected Coutee in the fourth round of last year's draft out of Texas Tech. Upon his arrival, the team didn't expect to have him on the field much. That was until injuries began to pile up for Bill O'Brien and company.
With Demaryius Thomas going down with a season-ending injury (along with Will Fuller's injury), the rookie wideout was called upon to produce. Over the course of the final six games of the season, Coutee ended up finishing the season with 28 receptions, 287 yards, and a touchdown.
Aside from DeAndre Hopkins, the Texas Tech product quickly became the second-best option for Watson. That continued into the playoffs with Coutee hauling in 11 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts.
Following their Week 1 loss, Coutee would be vital to the Texans in Week 2 if he plays.
All eyes will be on the two standout players going head-to-head with Jalen Ramsey and Hopkins. As a result, that leaves opportunities for the other receivers to make plays in the passing game. The team acquired Kenny Stills and Fuller returned to the lineup but Coutee should still see some targets.
In this game, A.J. Bouye has already been ruled out. Therefore, D.J. Hayden and Tre Herndon will be the cornerbacks lined up alongside Ramsey.
The Texans will want to attack their depleted secondary early and often. Watson already has chemistry with Coutee in the offense so there shouldn't be any issues there. Getting him back on the field would be huge for the Texans this week.
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