The Houston Texans got a familiar sight at the team's training camp facilities on Tuesday as wide receiver Andre Johnson reported for duty. The franchise's leading offensive star has made headlines this offseason for questioning the team's direction and his position in it. Johnson said everything just outside of demanding a trade, leading many to wonder if the Texans would move him before the season started. However, Johnson is still on the roster and is now appearing more invested in the Texans.
According to ESPN.com, Johnson appeared at team facilities in order to begin learning the offense of new head coach Bill O'Brien. Johnson has not been seen since he made comments saying he was tired of being on a losing franchise and would certainly not turn down a trade at this point in his career. He skipped organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. Johnson was not demanding more money on his contract, but was simply unhappy with the adjustments and additions to the roster and coaching staff it appears. The wide receiver simply did not want to enter yet another rebuilding year.
Johnson is going to be a key to success for the Texans this year. He is the face of consistency and trading him would most certainly set the team back. There was interest in the wide receiver and their still could be. The Cleveland Cavaliers and New England Patriots have been linked to possible deals. However, the Texans have turned everything away in hopes that Johnson would eventually come around.
Now, the team prepares to start a new quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick while developing Tom Savage behind him. However, with the long absence of Johnson, is he going to be the team's No. 1 receiver? According to DeAndre Hopkins, he is poised to be the leading receiver of the veteran. While Johnson was sitting out of practices, Hopkins told media that he is viewing himself as the team's No. 1 receiver and preparing as such. Fantasy owners take notice, Hopkins has already spent time immersed in O'Brien's playbook and has experience in the offense over Johnson. If he develops well, Hopkins really could be the team's top threat.
While there could be some new-found competiveness at the receiver position, the quarterback depth chart is set. The Texans have no intentions of starting Savage despite drafting him as the future of the position. Fitzpatrick has the confidence of the coaching staff and will enter and remain the starter for 2014.
