The Houston Texans got a special guest towards the end of their final training camp practice, and he was a welcomed sight by the players and coaching staff.
Rookie receiver John Metchie was seen on the sidelines as the Texans went through their final team drill as they prepare to take on the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday at NRG Stadium.
Buy Texans Tickets“Practice does have a little different feel when you have a special guest come back,” said Texans head coach Lovie Smith about Metchie’s appearance. “We have been praying for John and just watching him deal with a tough illness. It is good for the team to see him back in the fold.”
Texans HC Lovie Smith talks after practice about the surprise visit the team got from rookie WR John Metchie III who was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in late July. Metchie will miss the entire 2022 season. #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/gHJo6qfPxX
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) August 23, 2022
The Texans selected Metchie No. 44 overall in Round 2 from Alabama. Coming into camp, he was still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in the last year’s Southeastern Conference Championship game but was on schedule to be ready for the start of the season.
He suffered a significant setback when he was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia in late July that will cause him to miss the entire 2022.
“I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to him, but he looks like he is in good spirits, so if he is feeling good and happy then that is good for me,” said offensive lineman Tytus Howard after practice.
Metchie addressed the team during their final huddle before they ended practice and was seen with his receiving group and defensive players after everyone had disbursed. It has not been determined whether or not Metchie will be in attendance for the final preseason game on Thursday.
