This offseason, the Houston Texans added a plethora of wide receiver talent to help C.J. Stroud and the offense. Houston traded for Christian Kirk, signed Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios, and drafted Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. This is on top of having young players like Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Xavier Hutchinson, and John Metchie III.
Though Dell is set to miss major time this season, players like Metchie and Hutchinson needed to improve, so the competition was needed. That said, Watson, a veteran who many fans expected to make the roster heading into training camp, now seems to be on the outside looking in.
Texas WR Justin Watson Is on the Roster Bubble Heading into Preseason Game 2
In May, head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters at a Texans team event that the 29-year-old was impressing him the most in the offseason. Ryans' comments about Watson were prior to any practices, yet they showed that the veteran was at least in good standing upon his arrival.
Before signing with Houston, Watson spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs. While he was only a depth piece for both of those franchises, he learned what a winning culture looked like, which is what Ryans is continuing to build in Houston.
Watson's best season was in 2023 when he recorded 27 receptions on 53 targets for 460 yards and three touchdowns with Kansas City., Even though that production doesn't pop off the page, fans figured he could be a valuable sixth receiver heading into training camp.
Nevertheless, during the first preseason game, the 29-year-old saw time during the third and fourth quarters. Typically, when a player, especially a veteran, plays late into a preseason game, it shows that their roster spot isn't a lock.
Moreover, following Thursday's practice, Ryans commented on Hutchinson's continued improvement. Ryans said, "He's just gotten better every year. He's shown what it looks like to put the work in and be really deliberate about getting better. If you want to get better at your craft, you can do that. That's what Hutch represents".
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on how Xavier Hutchinson @XBH__8 'gets better every year' and can help this team at receiver He has had a good camp @CycloneFB @SamLeaf https://t.co/XcArHnnFWn pic.twitter.com/hOfAejmNPW
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 14, 2025
In addition to these comments, Johnathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle shared some interesting thoughts on the wide receiver room after practice on Thursday. Alexander highlighted Davis Mills connecting with Metchie for a big gain before finding Berrios for a touchdown. He added that he doesn't see how Ryans can cut Hutchinson or Berrios, and Metchie is also making a case.
#Texans 2nd team offense also has success. A couple of highlights:
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) August 14, 2025
Mills to John Metchie for a big gain. Drive finishes off with a Mills TD throw to Braxton Berrios.
Not sure how DeMeco cuts Berrios or Hutch, and Metchie is making a case to be kept too.
Obviously, Houston is unable to keep every receiver mentioned in that tweet, which makes it even harder for Watson to stick around. Watching to see which receivers separate themselves during these final two preseason games will be important for Texans fans.