Outlook for the Texans’ Tight End Room After Brevin Jordan’s Season-Ending Injury

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Heading into training camp, the Houston Texans’ tight end room was one of the most underrated position groups on the roster. While they didn’t feature a single dominant, do-it-all threat like George Kittle, they had the makings of a balanced, productive trio in Dalton Schultz, Cade Stover, and Brevin Jordan.

Now, with Jordan placed on season-ending injured reserve after re-injuring the same knee he tore last year, the group’s dynamic has shifted — but it’s far from depleted.

Dalton Schultz – Returning to Form

Dalton Schultz is the clear leader of the group and has looked like his old self in camp. The veteran tight end, who was battling through some sort of injury last season, also appeared to be misutilized in Bobby Slowik’s offense. In Nick Caley’s new scheme — with Caley’s extensive tight end coaching background — Schultz has been moving and producing more fluidly, showing flashes of the elite receiving ability he displayed in Dallas. He remains the Texans’ top option at the position and a player who can win matchups in the passing game consistently.

Cade Stover – Year 2 Jump Incoming

Cade Stover might be the biggest wild card in terms of upside. Gritty and physical, Stover carved out a role as a blocker last year but spent much of the season in a hybrid tight end/fullback role. GM Nick Caserio has praised him as the most improved player on the roster this offseason, and the results have been visible in camp. Stover’s blocking has taken another step forward, and his receiving ability is starting to show. Benefiting from a scheme that doesn’t require him to spend snaps at fullback, he’s primed for a significant Year 2 leap.

Brevin Jordan’s Lost Role – Irv Smith Jr. Steps In

Before his injury, Jordan was the X-factor of the group — slightly undersized at 6'3" 245 lbs, but with elite speed for the position. His ability to turn a short route into a long gain, like his 76-yard touchdown against Cleveland in the 2023 Wild Card round, made him a dangerous weapon in space.

Irv Smith Jr. is now the immediate replacement. Like Jordan, Smith is a bit undersized (6'2" 242 lbs) and quicker than your average tight end. While not quite as fast as Jordan, Smith offers a similar style. From Week 13 through the divisional round last season, Smith logged 124 snaps for the Texans, doing a solid job as a blocker but seeing minimal targets (1 catch for 2 yards). A veteran of Minnesota, Cincinnati, and Houston, Smith has familiarity with elements of the Texans’ scheme from stints under Kevin O’Connell, Zac Taylor, and Bobby Slowik. Like MJ Stewart stepping into a bigger role after C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s injury, Smith offers a trusted, plug-and-play option.

Luke Lachey’s Big Opportunity

Rookie Luke Lachey out of Iowa suddenly has a big chance to make the roster. With Smith working off to the side during parts of practice, Lachey has gotten valuable reps with the first-team offense. While raw, he comes from one of college football’s top tight end pipelines and could force his way into a depth role.

Possible Additions – Who’s Out There?

Aaron Wilson has reported that the Texans are expected to add another tight end. Unlike recent safety signings where the team had already worked players out, there have been no public reports of tight ends visiting Houston.

The top available options include:

• Gerald Everett – My top choice. An athletic veteran with a proven track record, Everett has played under Sean McVay and brings a skill set closest to Jordan’s and Smith’s.

• Marcedes Lewis – The longest-tenured TE in the league. More of a traditional, big-bodied blocker than a speed threat.

• Jordan Akins – Former Texan who fits the undersized athletic mold similar to Jordan and Smith.

• MyCole Pruitt – Another athletic but smaller-framed TE who could fill the same role.

• Hayden Hurst – Former first-round pick with athletic upside. Has bounced around but carries scheme familiarity from his time with Zac Taylor in Cincinnati.

Given Nick Caserio’s track record, I don’t expect Houston to overspend on the position. The move will likely be a value signing that complements Schultz and Stover, rather than replacing Jordan’s role outright.

Final Outlook

Losing Jordan is a blow both in terms of speed at the position and locker room presence. Still, with Schultz looking like a top-tier receiving threat again, Stover emerging in Year 2, and Smith ready to fill the gap, the Texans’ tight end room remains capable. Add a strategically chosen veteran, and they can still be one of the more quietly productive units in the league.