Dylan Horton ended his rookie season on the NFI list, but his attempts to return to the field for the coming campaign recently saw a welcomed development. The Texans defensive end completed his final treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, as noted by Aaron Wilson of KPRC2.
Horton was in stage four of the disease, but he is now in remission, Wilson adds. The positive news on the treatment front clears the way for him to attempt a comeback for the 2024 season. The 23-year-old made 10 appearances last year, logging a part-time role on both defense and special teams. He posted 13 tackles and one fumble recovery in that span.
Three years remain on Horton’s rookie contract, and staying cancer-free would allow him to carry on in a depth capacity with the Texans. The team relied heavily on 2023 third overall pick Will Anderson last season, and his performance earned him Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Anderson will no doubt continue as a full-time starter for years to come. Houston lost fellow first-teamer Jonathan Greenard in free agency, but Danielle Hunter was added as a replacement.
The latter inked a two-year deal featuring $48M guaranteed, and he will be counted on to remain a high-end sack artist with his hometown team. Hunter posted a career-high 16.5 sacks last season, and a repeat of that performance would help the Texans build off their surprise 2023 run to the divisional round of the postseason. Houston ranked just 17th in sacks during head coach DeMeco Ryans‘ first season at the helm, and an improvement in that department will be a goal for 2024.
Horton, a third-round selection out of TCU, will aim to play a role in that effort. He will find himself behind Anderson, Hunter and Denico Autry on the depth chart this season, but managing to take part in offseason workouts and/or training camp will represent a sign he will be available for the start of his second NFL campaign. His status will be worth monitoring as the offseason progresses.
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