Houston Texans need Keke Coutee to step up after slow start

The Houston Texans need more from their second-year wide receiver.

Keke Coutee’s second year with the Houston Texans hasn’t been better than his rookie season. An ankle injury suffered against the Green Bay Packers in the preseason prevented him from getting much-needed reps with the offense before the start of the regular season.

The Texas native was a productive player when he was on the field in 2018, but the main issue was that he was hardly healthy due to nagging hamstring injuries. Coutee missed the season opener against the New Orleans Saints as he worked his way back to football shape, but he hasn’t had the opportunities he had last season. He has three receptions for 18 receiving yards through three games.

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The lack of production can be attributed to the rust from rehabbing his injury, but Kenny Stills‘ acquisition before the start of the season has also played a part in his lack of touches. Since he was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Texans in a trade centered around left tackle Laremy Tunsil, Stills has been arguably one of Deshaun Watson’s favorite receivers in the first quarter of the season.

Stills has 11 receptions for 188  receiving yards and a touchdown reception through his first four games with the Texans. Although Stills’ recent hamstring and ankle injury is an unfortunate blow for the Texans, his injury could catapult Coutee into a more significant role for Week 5.

It’s good news that Stills’ injury would potentially sideline him for only one game, but Coutee could gain a lot by being utilized as presumably the third receiver in the offense. DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller demand their fair share of attention from opposing defenses, so Coutee could thrive in the role he had last season.

Talent hasn’t been an issue for Coutee, and having the opportunity to insert himself back in the offense could pay dividends as the Texans need all the receivers to be ready once their number is called.