Garrett

Graham

Houston’s free-agent exodus continues unabated. A fine all-around tight end, Dreessen has received high marks from Pro Football Focus for receiving and blocking the past couple of years. He’s also proven capable of high-end TE2 fantasy numbers while filling in for Owen Daniels. His 2012 value depends on whether the Broncos add Dallas Clark or Jacob Tamme to the mix. Garrett Graham ascends to the No. 2 role in Houston unless a fullback is signed to free up James Casey. Second-year TE Julius Thomas may need to stay in the incubator for another year in Denver.

The Texans ranked sixth in the NFL in two-tight end sets in 2011, so the loss of Dreessen is significant. James Casey is a candidate for an expanded role, as well, but is also the team’s primary fullback. A fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin back in 2010, Graham won’t be on the fantasy radar unless Owen Daniels goes down with an injury.

Graham caught a team-high three passes for 44 yards in the preseason opener. “I’ve been very impressed with his play. He’s bigger, stronger, faster ... He’s come a long way.” The 2010 fourth-rounder will push FB/TE hybrid James Casey for snaps in two-tight end packages.

Through three exhibition appearances, Graham has seven receptions for 141 yards after coach Gary Kubiak talked him up as perhaps the Texans’ most improved player so far in 2012. Graham can run down the seam with sure hands, and he could end up splitting production with Owen Daniels over the course of the season.

Graham’s first career touchdown came when a scrambling Matt Schaub found his backup tight end on a crossing pattern behind Owen Daniels. He’s on pace for just 20 catches and 244 yards this season.

Graham was targeted heavily on the day with Owen Daniels not playing a full amount of snaps in his return from a hip injury. Both of his scores came from one yard out and five yards out in the fourth quarter to get the game tied and force overtime. Graham shouldn’t be a fantasy option moving forward.

Graham had one catch for seven yards before leaving. If he misses time, versatile James Casey will see more tight end snaps.

Graham caught a pass over the middle near the end of the first half, and then crashed into a Titans defender head-on. He got up a little woozy and headed to the locker room. Owen Daniels and James Casey will handle tight end duties.

Graham has one more test to pass before gaining clearance for game action. Coach Gary Kubiak is hoping Owen Daniels’ backup will be available for Week 15 versus the Colts.

Graham took a big shot to the head while going over the middle on the final series of Saturday’s Wild Card win over the Bengals. Although Kubiak addressed injuries on Mondays during the regular season, he said he won’t be doing so until Wednesdays during the playoffs.