Seven Observations From Day 12 of Houston Texans Training Camp
The top of the roster got the work
The Houston Texans were back on the practice field for their 12th day of training camp.
Here are seven observations from the practice.
DeMeco Ryans said they wanted the first unit on the field after most sat out the first preseason game. It’s a busy week for the Texans with the Las Vegas Raiders coming to town. The team will have a joint practice with the Raiders on Tuesday and then play them in a preseason game on Thursday. He said the team is getting a small taste of their in-season routine leading into the matchup with the Raiders. Ryans also said he expects every healthy player to get time in the preseason game. It was a solid day with a few nice offensive plays but mostly dominated by the defense. I scored it as a unanimous decision for the defense.
Xavier Hutchinson was the standout offensive player during practice. C.J. Stroud hit him for two huge gains. Hutchinson was wide open for the first big reception. An expertly executed play action had him running with no defenders near him. It was the easiest big play of training camp for Stroud. The next toss took a little setting up. Stroud acted like he was throwing a screen but didn’t. Hutchinson flew off the line past Kamari Lassiter. He had a few steps on the defender, and Stroud dropped it right in the bucket. The offense tried to go to the well one more time with Hutchinson, but Stroud had to place it too far because of good coverage. This is the best Hutchinson has ever looked as a receiver. He is listed on the unofficial depth chart ahead of Jaylin Noel. As Noel’s finger injury lingers, it becomes more likely Hutchinson and Noel are closer in potential usefulness on this offense than anyone could’ve predicted. Hutchinson has some potential on kickoff returns, though I feel he likely is behind a few players as an option there.
