The Houston Texans have officially named veteran wide receiver Justin Watson as a starter after Jayden Higgins suffered a season-ending torn ACL. This change comes as the Texans assess their receiving corps, particularly following the recent acquisition of Kayshon Boutte.
Watson, who has won three Super Bowl championships, is entering his second season with the Texans after a challenging debut year marred by injuries. His new position on the unofficial depth chart has sparked interest, especially as he is expected to play alongside two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins.
Jeremy Beadling from Texans Today noted that while Watson's promotion may not be entirely unexpected, it raises questions about his potential to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Discussions surrounding the receiving group have intensified, with ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime suggesting that the Texans are likely to retain six receivers, including Watson. However, the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander indicated that Watson's position could be precarious following the trade for Boutte.
As the Texans prepare for their final preseason matchup against the Panthers, Watson's performance will be crucial. Standing at 6-foot-2, he may have an advantage over the shorter Boutte, who is 5-foot-11. To solidify his place on the team, Watson must demonstrate productivity and maintain his health.
