The Houston Texans open training camp on July 26 at The Greenbrier in West Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Here's a closer look at the Texans' camp:
Top storyline: Can Deshaun Watson replicate his rookie season? All eyes will be on the second-year quarterback, who is returning from a torn right ACL and is coming off seven games (six starts) in which he threw for 1,699 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Coach Bill O'Brien said he's tweaking his offense to play to Watson's strengths, which means this attack could be even more fun to watch in 2018.
QB depth chart: Watson, Joe Webb III, Brandon Weeden. After the Texans didn't draft a quarterback, general manager Brian Gaine said he is happy with how the quarterback room is made up. Of course, this offseason the Texans will continue to look for other options as they see fit, but if Weeden or Webb III ends up being Watson's backup, the Texans will again struggle to win games if their 2017 first-round pick cannot stay healthy.
Bubble watch: The Texans were hopeful that Braxton Miller, who converted from quarterback to wide receiver, could be a productive part of the offense when they drafted him in the third round in 2016, but that has not panned out. Miller has dealt with hamstring injuries, missed three games as a healthy scratch in 2017 and has totaled 34 catches for 261 yards and two touchdowns over two seasons. Most notably, the Texans drafted a slot receiver in the fourth round, Keke Coutee, who will compete with Miller.
This rookie could start: In a crowded group of receivers, Coutee could start in the slot alongside DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. Last year at Texas Tech, Coutee caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and 10 touchdowns. Coutee is on the smaller side, listed at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, but O'Brien said he thinks the speedy receiver has the right "body type for that position." Coutee should be another good weapon for Watson and also serve as a major contributor on special teams.
Can J.J. Watt return to form? Along with Watson, the Texans also have a defensive star coming off a season-ending injury. Watt has played only eight games over the past two seasons, needing two back surgeries in 2016 and surgery last season after breaking his leg in Week 5. This offseason, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year has said he feels "great," but he also knows the true test won't begin until he is back on the field for a regular-season game this fall.
Who starts at running back? With Lamar Miller coming off his worst NFL season and 2017 third-round pick D'Onta Foreman rehabbing from a torn left Achilles, the Texans have some questions at running back going into the season. They are hopeful Foreman is back by the season opener, and O'Brien said he could see Houston using the two, along with backup Alfred Blue, in a committee as they did last season.
For daily updates at camp, check out the Houston Texans clubhouse page.