John McClain, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, is in his 48th year of covering the NFL in Houston, including 45 seasons at the Houston Chronicle.
There's so much well-deserved attention being directed at the Texans' wide receivers because they have one of the most prolific groups in the NFL, but defenses better not overlook their tight ends.
When the Texans kick off preseason against the Chicago Bears on Thursday night in Canton, Ohio, fans watching the nationally televised game are going to see talented tight ends competing for jobs behind starter Dalton Schultz.
Head Coach DeMeco Ryans declined to divulge who would and wouldn't play in the annual Hall of Fame game. Don't expect Ryans and Bears' Head Coach Matt Eberflus to disclose much in this game because they play again in the second game of regular season at NRG Stadium.
Like many of the starters, Schultz isn't expected to play, and that's good for the offensive coaches because they have some difficult decisions to make about the backup jobs.
In his first season with the Texans, Schultz became one of quarterback C.J. Stroud's most dependable targets. When Schultz signed a new contract, Stroud could breathe a sigh of relief because they built a terrific on-field rapport that should be even more effective this season.
Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik likes to use his tight ends in the passing game, of course, but they also have to block, or they don't get on the field. Like his teammates on offense, Schultz feels more comfortable in his second training camp because he's familiar with Slowik and what he wants from his players.
"Significantly (and) I would say more so, obviously recognizing what's being called, getting in and out (of the huddle) but also the run concepts and understanding exactly how we're teaching it," Schultz said. "We're starting to see how it should look (and), this is how it should play out.
"Just getting that comfortability with all of us, especially in the blocking scheme. (It's) something we spent a lot of time on in OTAs and when pads (came on in camp), we're finally starting to see some fruits from our labors."
Competing for playing time behind Schultz will be veterans Brevin Jordan and Teagan Quitoriano and rookie Cade Stover, the fourth-round pick from Ohio State who was Stroud's teammate with the Buckeyes. Also competing for playing time is Dalton Keene, who's in his second season.
Tight end is a competitive position behind Schultz. Jordan, who's playing in his fourth season, finished with a flourish last season and excelled in the wild card playoff victory over Cleveland. Jordan is more of an H-back than a tight end. Some view him as a large wide receiver because of his speed and breakaway ability. He developed a connection with Stroud in 2023, and this is a crucial season for him because it's the last year of his contract.
Talking about the tight ends, Jordan said, "Dalton is my dawg. He's savvy and knows how to get open. I think everyone in that tight end group just leans on each other. Cade is a rookie, and he's asking a lot of questions. Everybody in that room is just ultra supportive of each other, and I'm glad we have the room we have."
Slowik will make vanilla calls against the Bears, but the coaches still need to evaluate their players, including the tight ends who suit up. They'll get a chance to block and catch.
"I think he's made it a lot easier," Jordan said about Slowik. "A lot of the formations we've had we kind of condensed. I think Bobby's whole thing is to get the guys in an open space. Get them in one-on-one situations and let them go.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity. It's a great offense, and we have some great pieces on the offensive side."
The coaches and players are also eager to see what Quitoriano can do on a consistent basis if he can stay healthy in his third season. At 6-6, 259, he's got outstanding size. He's flashed in training camp again, but injuries have kept him from reaching the potential the Texans believed he had when they selected him in the fifth round of the 2022 draft. The Bears should have their hands full trying to contain Quitoriano if he gets the ball and an opportunity to show what he's capable of.
Even though Stroud won't play, he'll be paying close attention to see how Stover does in his debut.
"Me and Cade are brothers," Stroud said during camp. "(He's) somebody I had the chance to play with in college (and) spend a lot of time with him off the field – barbecuing, chilling, playing the game – all type of stuff. Our families are really close, too.
"He's been doing really well blocking, catching and running good routes. He's owning the offense, which is really exciting to see."
And when preseason is over and regular season begins at Indianapolis, the offense should be exciting to see because Stroud has been blessed with a stockpile of impressive weapons, including tight ends who better not be overlooked, or defenses could pay a steep price.
