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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Frankie Taddeo

Texans Wide Receiver Set to Make NFL Debut After Missing Rookie Year With Leukemia

One of the best storylines of Week 2 in the NFL is the potential NFL debut of Texans wideout John Metchie III against the Colts.

The 2022 second-round pick, who missed his entire rookie campaign after being diagnosed with leukemia, will look to become one of the top receiving weapons for Texans’ rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud after coming off of the team’s injury report.

Metchie, who was forced to miss Week 1 against the Ravens due to a hamstring injury, will join a Houston receiving corps that consists of veterans Nico Collins and Robert Woods as well as speedy rookie Tank Dell.

The former Alabama standout, who was diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia) in July of 2022, will finally get the opportunity to show off the elite talent he displayed in Tuscaloosa.

John Metchie III runs with the ball during Texans camp.

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The 5’ 11” wideout was one of the most productive wide receivers in college football in ’21, hauling in 96 receptions, 1,142 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games for the Crimson Tide. Many scouts considered Metchie a potential first-round pick, prior to him suffering an ACL tear in the SEC championship game.

Earlier this week, Metchie told Aaron Wilson of KPRC-TV, that he is “extremely excited” to get back out there and help his team.

“It’s been great being able to be back out there and kind of start contributing to the team and stuff,” said Metchie. “I’m extremely excited, but I can’t get too ahead of myself. I just, like I said, have to be patient. That’s kind of the biggest thing. Although I’m real excited, I got to be patient and ready whenever my number is called.”

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