Harrison

Bryant

Schultz was a DNP on Wednesday and Thursday, but it is clear the Texans trust him enough to manage him in practices. He’ll be a low-end TE1 against the Titans this week. Elsewhere in Texans TE land, Cade Stover (foot) is questionable in his first week of practices since opening his 21-day window, but with Harrison Bryant (neck/shoulder) officially out, Stover seems to be likely to suit up.

The Texans ruled out six on Friday: C.J. Stroud (concussion), Jalen Pitre (concussion), Tytus Howard (concussion), Ed Ingram (knee), Ka’imi Fairbairn (quad), and Christian Harris (shoulder) — they’ll be joined by healthy scratch Jarrett Kingston on the inactives list today. Bryant was questionable and doesn’t figure to be much of a fantasy factor today.

This move was expected after it was reported on Monday that Stover suffered a broken foot in Week 1. Harrison Bryant was signed to the active roster in a corresponding move. Stover’s injury should lock in Dalton Schultz for a full-time role, keeping him in the TE2 mix for Week 2.

He didn’t survive last cuts, but the Texans now have their third tight end in place for the season. Bryant is likely third in the pecking order behind Dalton Schultz and Cole Stover, which means he doesn’t need to specifically be rostered in fantasy leagues.

The Texans traded for Bryant just nine days ago, so this could be some sort of procedural move. It would be unsurprising to see them sign him again shortly. He caught 2-of-2 targets for 13 yards in the preseason.

Jordan Schultz reports that the 49ers were also trying to trade for Metchie but the Eagles made a stronger offer. Metchie missed his 2022 rookie season, battling acute promyelocytic leukemia. He debuted in 2023 and has since caught 40-of-66 targets for 412 yards and one touchdown through his two active NFL seasons. He could compete with Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson for the Eagles’ No. 3 wide receiver role.

Bryant will compete for the No. 2 role behind Dallas Goedert, who the Eagles had been considering dealing this offseason. While Bryant likely won’t surpass that spot on the depth chart, taking a chance on him makes sense. The 26-year-old tight end won the 2019 John Mackey Award in his final college season before earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 2020. His career-best stat line occurred in 2022, when he caught 31-of-42 targets for 239 yards and one touchdown.

Bryant, the team’s No. 3 TE, and No. 4 TE Justin Shorter (illness) were both unable to practice on Wednesday but, fortunately, No. 2 TE Michael Mayer (personal) returned to play in Week 11 after an extended absence. Mayer’s presence helps negate concern over depth.

Mayer was a full participant in all three practices this week. He remains on the reserve/NFI list but should be removed over the weekend. His questionable tag is likely a formality. With Harrison Bryant out for Week 11, Mayer should immediately slot in as the team’s TE2.

Bryant left the Raiders’ Week 9 loss to the Bengals with an ankle injury. He was the direct backup to Brock Bowers with Michael Mayer out, but Bryant starts out not practicing out of the bye. If Bryant cannot go in Week 11 against the Dolphins, Justin Shorter will be the direct backup to Bowers, who will continue to eat targets.