Who Should I Start? John Metchie III or Xavier Gipson

Thursday, May 1, 12:17 AM

The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander projects Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III to be left off the 53-man roster entering the start of the 2025 season this fall after the team added receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in last week's draft. Houston also added Christian Kirk, Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios in free agency this offseason, creating a lot of competition for the 24-year-old, who has battled injuries and a cancer scare to produce just 40 catches for 412 yards and one touchdown since being drafted in the second round (44th overall) in 2022 out of Alabama. Alexander expects Metchie, Xavier Hutchinson, Berrios and Watson to be battling for the final two receiver spots this summer behind Higgins, Kirk and Nico Collins. Metchie is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025 and could be a trade candidate if it's clear he's not going to make the roster.

Saturday, August 16, 8:16 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Xavier Gipson (shoulder) exited Saturday's preseason game against the Giants and is questionable to return. Gipson had already entered the contest with the same injury, making this setback concerning for the third-year receiver. Across his first two NFL seasons, the former Stephen F. Austin product has recorded 27 catches for 268 yards and one touchdown. Gipson is firmly on the roster bubble and needed strong preseason performances to secure his spot. His absence could open the door for Brandon Smith to carve out a role as the Jets evaluate their depth chart.