Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien gave an update on fullback Cullen Gillaspia and receiver Keke Coutee in his Saturday media session.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the former 2019 seventh-round fullback from Texas A&M is doing some running as his leg injury continues to improve. However, Gillaspia will not participate in Saturday’s practice.
Who could be available during Saturday’s practice is Coutee, who has been struggling with a foot stress fracture. The former 2018 fifth-round pick from Texas Tech has had a good camp to this point, and the foot injury was a setback in Coutee’s bid to be an integral part of the passing game or return teams.
Bill O'Brien said Cullen Gillaspia is running and his leg is improving, but doesn't expect him to practice. Keke Coutee (foot) is going to attempt to practice today, per O'Brien
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 29, 2020
“Keke has done a really good job of coming back and doing everything that we’ve asked him to do,” offensive coordinator Tim Kelly told reporters on Aug. 18. “He’s been able to go out there and make plays when they’ve come his way, building trust with the quarterbacks and being where he is supposed to be when he’s supposed to be there.
“At the end of the day, the biggest part of that position is getting open and catching the football. Keke’s doing a great job of that.”
Gillaspia is a key part of the Texans’ special teams, and ostensibly there could be a place for him when he returns. The longer Coutee stays out of the action, the more he falls behind in a highly competitive receiver group.
