If patience is a virtue, John Metchie could be approaching sainthood.
The Houston Texans receiver was already on target for a delayed debut in the NFL in his rookie season. The former 2022 second-round receiver was recovering from a torn ACL sustained in early December 2021, which was still keeping him out of team activities throughout Houston’s June mandatory minicamp. The hope was Metchie would use training camp to acclimate, but even a Week 1 target was not a guarantee.
Buy Texans TicketsDuring the break, Metchie was diagnosed with leukemia, which prioritized his life over his career. Assuredly Metchie’s rookie year was done, and returning to the NFL was at least a year away.
Metchie vanquished his leukemia. Now, what has stood in the way of Metchie seeing playing time is his hamstring. The Texans ruled Metchie out in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens as the wideout did not practice all week.
The former Alabama product was spotted at Houston Methodist Training Center and listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice.
“It’s been great being able to be back out there and kind of start contributing to the team and stuff,” Metchie told Aaron Wilson of KPRC-TV.
What Metchie’s acquisition of patience has taught him is that the team seeks consistency. When Metchie is able to hit the playing field, he knows the Texans want consistent results.
“Patience has definitely been a thing for me, and it’s something that I’ve had a lot of practice with in the last year of course,” said Metchie. “It’s just remaining consistent and that I have to remain consistent and keep showing up. The time will come. I just have to be ready.”
Metchie should get his fair share of reps against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 at NRG Stadium. Seven-year receiver Noah Brown is on injured reserve with a groin injury, which gives Metchie an opportunity to be a part of the offense.
Said Metchie: “I’m extremely excited, but I can’t get too ahead of myself. I just, like I said, have to be patient. That’s kind of the biggest thing. Although I’m real excited, I got to be patient and ready whenever my number is called.”
In Metchie’s final season at Alabama, he caught 96 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns through 13 games.
