The 2022 draft included four important players who missed some (or all) of their first year due to injury or illness. Perhaps this partially explains the dismal performance of last year’s team. As the 2023 camp gets underway, Texans fans should pay close attention to the health and performance of these 4 players as they enter their sophomore season.
These 4 players may hold the ultimate key to the hopes and dreams of Texans fans everywhere. If all of them have fully recovered and are ready to contribute, expect the Texans to exceed the expectations of the critics and analysts. Keep reading to discover more about these promising young Texans players and their prospects for 2023.
Derek Stingley Jr.
Derek Stingley Jr. was a remarkable player as a freshman at LSU and was later drafted as the #3 overall pick. However, during game 9 of his inaugural season, he suffered a hamstring injury and was placed on the injured reserve list for the rest of the 2022 season. As we move towards 2023, fans are still worried about Stingley's health.
In 2019, Stingley had an impressive start to his college career. Despite being a freshman, he remained in good health and managed to lead the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with six interceptions and 21 passes defended. He was recognized by the Associated Press (AP) as a first-team All-SEC selection. Moreover, he was a consensus All-American, receiving first-team recognition from major sources like USA Today, ESPN, and the AP.
During his second year in college, Stingley encountered a series of injuries that prevented him from participating in three games. Despite these challenges, he was lauded for his exceptional performance and was included in the All-SEC first team. Unfortunately, in his junior year, Stingley suffered a serious injury to his left foot before the fourth week's game against Mississippi State. He underwent surgery, but the injury left him unable to play for the rest of the 2021 season.
The upcoming 2023 season is crucial for the young and talented cornerback due to his past injuries. The state of the secondary will also heavily depend on his performance. With a healthy Stingley, the Texans boast a skilled and deep defensive backfield. However, without him, that depth will be put to the test. It is essential for him to stay healthy and perform at his best to prove to Texans fans why he was selected so highly in the previous year's draft.
Kenyon Green
Texans GM Nick Caserio selected Texas A&M Guard Kenyon Green with the #15 overall draft pick, despite rumors of a possible degenerative knee condition. Caserio is known for his draft day trades and this selection was no exception. He traded the #13 overall pick, acquired in the Deshaun Watson trade, to the Eagles and received the #15 overall pick, as well as a 4th and a couple of 5th-round selections. The Texans did not seem to be concerned about the whispers regarding Green's knee.
Green was dealing with lingering knee issues during 2022 OTA’s and was a limited participant. Still, he entered the 2022 training camp with the inside track to the starting LG position and appeared to be a full-go to start camp. However, it wasn’t long until Green was banged up and he missed a significant portion of camp. Green eventually returned but was in and out of the lineup the entire season with ankle, shoulder, and knee injuries. It's worrisome that Green underwent arthroscopic knee surgery early in the 2023 offseason.
"We’ll see where Kenyon is come training camp. For Kenyon, he has to be ready to go and the work he puts in over the next few weeks will see if he’s ready and ready to go out and compete."head coach DeMeco Ryans via Texans Daily
When Green did play, his pass blocking left a lot to be desired, and he was inconsistent in the run game. There isn't a player on the current roster more in need of a breakout campaign than Kenyon Green. For the Texans to be all they can be, he must prove his detractors wrong, put 2022 in the past, and post a healthy and productive 2023 If he fails to do so, he may be labeled a bust by fans and pundits alike. Texans fans should keep a very close eye on #59 in camp and beyond.
John Metchie III
John Metchie III was a reliable slot wide receiver during his time at Alabama. Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL tear during the SEC championship game against Georgia on December 4th, 2021, which impacted his draft value in 2022. Despite this setback, the Texans still chose him in the second round as the 44th overall pick, and fans were optimistic that he would make a huge contribution to the team's receiving corps. Metchie reassured the media at the NFL combine that he was on track to be cleared by June and anticipated being a full participant by training camp
Sadly, before the start of the camp, Metchie was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, which ended his rookie campaign. During the early portion of the 2023 offseason, Texans GM Nick Caserio discussed Metchie's situation and his recovery on "Payne & Pendergast" on Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM].
"John has made a lot of progress. I’d say not exactly sure — call it his status — but he’s made significant progress. He’s made significant strides. I mean, he’s worked his ass off, I would say, from the time he arrived and everything that he endured during the course of the fall. Can’t say enough about John about his attitude and his approach. I mean, I don’t want to use the word ‘rare,’ but what he’s done and what he’s endured physically, I mean, honestly, it’s mind-blowing. It really is. "Texans General Manager Nick Casserio
The overall health of Metchie is currently the top priority, and supporters are praying for his full recovery from the illness. His football performance takes a backseat to his overall well-being. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain how swiftly and effectively Metchie can recuperate and get back on the field. Assuming he can overcome Leukemia, rebuild his strength and endurance, and have a successful 2023 season, Metchie will undoubtedly be overjoyed.
Dameon Pierce
Without a doubt, Damien Pierce was a standout rookie RB for the Texans in 2022. He quickly secured the lead role during training camp and was impressed with his authoritative running style. In fact, his 20-yard run in week 5 against the Jaguars won him the "Angry Run of the Year" award. Pierce was also named a 2022 pro-bowl alternate, a well-deserved accolade. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle sprain in week 14 against the Cowboys, which led to his season being cut short. Although the injury wasn't severe, the Texans opted to be cautious and rest him for the remainder of the season. At the time of his injury, Pierce was just 61 yards shy of reaching 1,000 yards for the season.
The Texans' biggest concern with Pierce is his durability. He carried the ball frequently in 2022 and added 30 receptions, making him a vital part of the offense. With that large workload came increased wear and tear, eventually leading to the ankle injury. However, there's hope that his workload will be reduced in 2023 with the addition of free agent Devon Singletary. Singletary's signing on a one-year deal should relieve Pierce, especially on third downs and when Pierce needs a breather.
Texans fans are excited to see what this RB duo can achieve in 2023, provided they stay healthy. Pierce's injury history is a concern, but with Singletary's help, Pierce has a better chance of remaining healthy. The one-two punch of Pierce and Singletary should provide the Texans with a robust running game next season, which will be welcome news to rookie QB C.J. Stroud and the rest of the offense.