While the Houston Texans put on a show for fans for the first time in pads this season, two veterans did not participate in drills.
Receivers John Metchie III and Nico Collins were out with their teammates but both were in street clothes for the entirety of practice. Collins was seen after practice meeting with fans and offered advice to several rookies during drills, but he didn’t work in like he had the first four days of camp.
Collins, who signed a three-year extension earlier this offseason, might have been taken a veteran day. It’s not uncommon for players to rest their bodies in the sweltering Texas heat, especially with an extended training camp compared to the rest of the NFL.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t seem too concerned about Metchie or Collins’ status following practice, stating that “every player is different and on their own schedule.”
“We’re making sure we’re taking care of guys and being smart about how we’re loading guys,” Ryans said. “Our sports performance group has done a great job with the low management and making sure we’re at the top of everything.”
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on Nico Collins and John Metchie III not practicing today, which appears to be a day off, said the team will manage several players throughout a long camp based on workload data, etc @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/UbkelAQQoJ
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 23, 2024
Metchie and Collins could be back tomorrow before heading into Thursday’s off-day, similar to tight end Dalton Schultz. On Monday, Schultz did not partake in drills but returned to the starting offense Tuesday morning.
Running back Joe Mixon missed his third practice and could be out for “a few more,” based on Ryans’ comments on Monday. That’s fine since Houston needs the former Pro Bowler for the regular season rather than training camp.
Vet day for Nico Collins. Still staying active during the wideout drills. pic.twitter.com/Gty8AlJ2Jv
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) July 23, 2024
Linebacker Christian Harris and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil still have yet to see the field since the start of camp, but neither is in jeopardy of losing starting reps.
Cornerback C.J. Henderson, however, could be. He did not appear for the second consecutive day during individual or team drills with the defensive backs.
