Wide receiver John Metchie III missed Houston’s game on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs because of a shoulder injury. But on Monday, the former Alabama pass-catcher said he’d be ready to play when the Texans take on the Baltimore Ravens as part of the NFL’s Christmas doubleheader.
“I feel good,” Metchie said. “I feel ready to go. I’m ready to attack the week.”
Metchie’s return is just in time, too, for shorthanded Houston. Already playing without four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs because of a season-ending knee injury, the Texans lost wide receiver Tank Dell during Saturday’s 27-19 setback.
Dell, who started his college career at Alabama A&M, sustained a dislocated kneecap and torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left leg while catching a 30-yard touchdown pass.
“We’re keeping him in our prayers while reaching out to him,” Metchie said, “letting him know that we’re there for him. But kind of got to stay focused on football. …
“I think that pain that everybody feels with losing our brother, Tank going down the way he did, just adds fuel to the fire for us.”
Dell departs with 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. Diggs had 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns when he went down in the eighth game of the season.
Former Clay-Chalkville High School standout Nico Collins is the Texans’ top receiver with 60 receptions for 909 yards and six touchdowns. Metchie is now next among Houston’s wide receivers with 17 receptions for 182 yards and one touchdown in 2024.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said Metchie, Xavier Hutchinson and practice-squad wide receiver Jared Wayne will step up in Dell’s absence.
“I’ve seen it time and time again of Metch showing up, Hutch showing up,” Stroud said on Monday. “J-Wayne going in there blocking and doing his thing. I think those guys have another opportunity to show who they are. I know that they can do it. I see in practice that they do it every week, so I’m excited for them. It’s an opportunity for them to step up.”
Dell wasn’t the only player with Alabama football roots lost to injury by the Texans on Saturday: Former Davidson High School standout Jimmie Ward sustained a midfoot sprain that required surgery. The safety had moved to slot corner with Jalen Pitre out for the season because of a pectoral injury.
Houston moved former American Christian School standout Kamari Lassiter from outside corner to the slot after Ward went down.
“Two great guys, great players,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said about Dell and Ward. “We’ll miss them dearly. They meant a lot to our team. We know we have a lot to pick up losing those two guys. But those guys will attack the rehab the right way, and they’ll be back in due time.”
