The Texans traded Randall Cobb this summer, seemingly opening the door for a 2021 breakout by one of their most promising young wide receivers, former fourth-round pick Keke Coutee. But if Coutee is going to break out this year, it's likely going to be for someone other than the Texans. The 24-year-old pass catcher was among Houston's final roster cuts on Tuesday, just eight months after capping arguably the strongest run of his brief Texans career.
A former Texas Tech standout, Coutee battled injuries to emerge as a reserve option early on, logging 28 catches for 287 yards as a rookie in 2018. After a quiet follow-up season, in which he was limited to nine games, Coutee again nursed injuries in 2020, playing just eight games, but posted a career-best 33 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns. Serving as one of quarterback Deshaun Watson's top targets and standing out in the slot, he finished 2020 with 27 catches and 362 yards -- not to mention a catch percentage of 87.7 -- in his final five games.
This summer, he battled fellow reserves Chris Moore, Nico Collins, Alex Erickson and Andre Roberts for playing time behind projected starters Brandin Cooks and Chris Conley. Former Bears receiver Anthony Miller, who arrived via trade in late July, is now the favorite to open 2021 as Houston's top -- and only -- designated slot wideout.
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