Houston Texans Takeaways: 3 positions that need upgraded depth
By Jair Lopez
2. Return Game
The special teams return game needs to be looked into as well. Running backs Tyler Ervin, Troymaine Pope, and wide receivers Quan Bray and Sammie Coates haven’t shown enough to secure a spot.
The top punt returners according to OurLads.com are Will Fuller, along with Ervin, Bruce Ellington, Coates and rookie Keke Courte.
This past weekend the Texans’ top punt returner was Ervin with a one return but for zero yards, so eventually something drastic must happen with this unit or field position could be an issue.
There is also the kickoff return team in the second preseason game where Pope had one return for 25 yards, Coates with one return for 24 yards and Ervin had one return for 20 yards.
Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle wrote earlier this month about Coates and his role with the Texans, including a quote from head coach Bill O’Brien:
"“He’s been out there, he works hard. I think he really understands his role that he’s trying to fulfill for us, special teams role and an outside wide receiver role. He’s really done a good job of really coming to work every day to try to do the best he can to fulfill that role.”"
Last season the Texans were led by Chris Thompson in kickoff returns with 17 attempts for 369 yards, averaging 21.7 yards per return. Ervin was next with 93 yards on five kickoff returns.
The ’17 punt return leader was Fuller who had nine attempts for 135 yards, as his longest return went for 49 yards last season.