The Houston Texans have made a notable decision in their roster by naming veteran wide receiver Justin Watson as a starter, following the season-ending injury of second-year player Jayden Higgins, who suffered a torn ACL.
Watson, a three-time Super Bowl champion, is entering his second season with the Texans after an injury-plagued first year. His promotion to the starting role, although listed on the team's unofficial depth chart, has garnered attention and sparked discussions among analysts and fans alike.
Jeremy Beadling from Texans Today highlighted Watson's unexpected placement on the depth chart, noting that while it may not be entirely surprising, it raises questions about his chances of securing a spot on the 53-man roster. Beadling remarked on the uncertainty surrounding Watson's position, indicating that he had initially considered Watson to be on the roster bubble.
The Texans' depth chart is unofficial, yet it reflects the team's strategy as they prepare for their final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime projected that the Texans might keep six wide receivers, including Watson, while the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander suggested that recent trade acquisition Kayshon Boutte could impact Watson's chances of remaining on the roster.
With the addition of Boutte, who is expected to play a significant role, the Texans face decisions on how many receivers to keep. Alexander noted that the team might opt for six receivers initially, especially considering the injury status of Tank Dell, who has not participated in recent practices.
