In the first season of a surprisingly lucrative three-year contract, 28-year-old Schultz slumped to five-year lows in receptions (53), yards (532) and touchdowns (two). This, despite the fact that Stefon Diggs never really got going before his ACL injury and Nico Collins spent time on injured reserve with a hamstring issue. Tank Dell was also lost in Week 16 to a knee issue. Schultz is a classic catch-and-fall specialist who long ago maxed out his talent, so it's not like he has another level to ascend to. That being said, he probably ran unreasonably cold this year, and catching 50 balls five straight seasons is no small feat for a seam stretcher. Schultz will keep hanging around the TE1 periphery in 2025.
Texans WR Robert Woods (hip) is listed as questionable for Saturday's Divisional Round game vs. the Chiefs. He didn't practice all week. Woods played 51% of the offensive snaps for an injury-riddled Texans WR corps in the Wild Card win over the Chargers. His absence would force WR Xavier Hutchinson and potentially WR Jared Wayne into more snaps against Kansas City. WR Nico Collins, TE Dalton Schultz, and WR John Metchie project as the top three targets.
Schultz was able to get in a full practice Thursday and the 6-foot-5 tight end appears to be a full go for the contest against the Chiefs. It's beyond plausible that the Texans are going to have to throw often in this game, so Schultz could be a sneaky play for the Saturday showdown in Kansas City.
The touchdown-dependent tight end is on track to play, having practiced in a limited capacity twice now. While Schultz is not a big-time difference maker, the Texans would undoubtedly prefer to have their starting tight end in the lineup for a potential shootout against the Chargers.
Texans TE Cade Stover needs surgery for a shoulder injury he suffered in the Wild Card win over the Chargers, HC Demeco Ryans said Tuesday. Stover has been operating as Houston's No. 2 TE for most of the season, catching 15 of 22 targets for 133 yards and a score across 15 regular-season games. He caught all four of his targets for 28 yards in the playoff opener. We'll look for more details on Stover's injury and see when he's able to get back on the field. But with TE Dalton Schultz likely back in Houston for 2025, Stover is unlikely to be a fantasy factor.