The Houston Texans released their first depth chart of the preseason Aug. 7 ahead of their Aug. 10 preseason opener with the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
There were some aspects of the depth chart that weren’t a surprise — Dameon Pierce is the starting running back, Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre are a tandem at safety.
However, there were some decisions the coaches made that were fascinating, much beyond starting C.J. Stroud over Davis Mills.
Here is a look at some interesting items on the Texans’ depth chart.
John Metchie listed as WR3
There are two schools of thought when it comes to Metchie’s placement. The first is he is sorely behind Robert Woods and Noah Brown, and he may still need some time.
The other way to look at is this is Metchie’s chance to get playing time. The Texans aren’t going to having Woods, Brown, and especially Nico Collins seeing much action after the first quarter. As long as Metchie is involved in every subsequent series, it should help him acclimate to the game.
Rookie combo
Not only will the Texans go with a rookie under center, but they are putting Juice Scruggs atop the depth chart.
The placement gives Scruggs a chance to show what he is capable of with the first-team offense and how he works in a real game with Kenyon Green and Shaq Mason flanking him.
The move also allows Stroud and Scruggs to have the shared experience of seeing the game for the first time, which can be the basis for growth.
Will Anderson, Jonathan Greenard get the start
Houston is going with one of its younger duos on the edge, and the attention should be interesting. Greenard has earned some attention in his own right, and Anderson certainly will command his share, even as a rookie. How will the Patriots treat both?
Their backups are also intriguing in Jerry Hughes and Jacob Martin, who is thankful for his second chance in Houston. No doubt they should feast on the second- and third-stringers.
Blake Cashman earning respect
Cashman started in one of his 16 activations last season. With the Texans making everything a competition, Cashman had a chance and will get the start over Christian Kirksey at SAM (strong) linebacker. Consider Cashman was a member of the New York Jets from 2019-21 and defensive coordinator Matt Burke was Robert Saleh’s “game management coach” in 2021.
