Houston Texans Place Tight End Cade Stover On IR

Well, Texans fans, you can’t have nice things. Just when you thought the tight end room was looking interesting, the injury bug decided to throw a party, and Cade Stover was the guest of honor. The Texans will have to navigate the next month (at least) without their promising tight end. Stover has been officially placed on injured reserve after suffering a foot injury in the Week 1 loss against the Rams. And just like that, a season that started with a spark of potential now feels like someone unplugged the lamp.

What Stover’s Absence Means For the Texans

Losing Stover is a gut punch, plain and simple. He wasn’t just another body on the field; he was starting to carve out a real role. In his first game, he snagged four catches for 22 yards. It’s not exactly Travis Kelce numbers, but it was a solid start that showed he was ready to contribute. Now, the Texans are left scrambling.

The tight end corps for Houston is starting to look like a scene from a hospital drama. With Brevin Jordan and Irv Smith already done for the year, the team is getting dangerously thin. Losing Stover just pours salt in an already gaping wound. The Texans’ depth chart at the position is now basically just Dalton Schultz and a prayer.

Next Man Up: Who Is Harrison Bryant?

In a move that screams “we need a warm body, like, yesterday,” the Texans have signed Harrison Bryant off their own practice squad. Bryant, who arrived this summer in a trade with the Eagles, now finds himself thrust into the spotlight. No pressure, kid. It’s a classic “next man up” situation, but when the “next man” was just trying to make the 53-man roster a few weeks ago, you have to wonder what the game plan is.

For now, Schultz is the undisputed top dog at tight end. But you can bet opponents will be keying in on him, daring anyone else to step up. The Texans were hoping Stover would be that guy. Now, they’re back to the drawing board, hoping this season doesn’t completely derail before it even gets a chance to get going.