Houston Texans: 3 positional battles to follow this preseason

Wide Receiver Rivalry

With rookie Keke Coutee out with a hamstring injury, Braxton Miller, Bruce Ellington and Sammie Coates will be the wide receivers to watch fight to stay on the Texans roster this preseason.

The Texans essentially have the majority of their receivers set in place for the regular season. DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller and Coutee are the obvious locks to make the roster. Ellington had a good season with the Texans last year, but he is only signed through this season with the team.

The team was wary of giving him a big deal after only one season, Ellington is a favorite to make the roster but he has to continue his promising play and keep himself in optimal condition. Miller is entering his third year in the NFL, but the drafting of Coutee has already put pressure for him to pan out and stay on the roster.

Miller hasn’t been able to establish him in the offense or on the special teams at a consistent basis. How he performs throughout the rest of the preseason will give the coaching staff a better picture of where they stand with his development.

Coates is the dark horse football player this season with the most ability to create an impact. Like Fuller, he has the speed to be a vertical threat and warrant a safety over the top in coverage. The Texans lost an element to their offense when Fuller was injured, Coates could offer depth and be a good back up in case Fuller misses a few games in 2018.