TheHouston Texans' wide receiver room suffered a huge setback with theseason-ending injury to Jayden Higgins, but rebounded with the trade for New England Patriots' Kayshon Boutte.
But, someone who is not getting as much coverage with all the talk about Boutte is receiver Xavier Hutchinson who is going into his fourth season with the Texans.
Hutchinson has never been a big part of the pass game, but he did put up over 400 receiving yards last season and had his first three receiving touchdowns. With Boutte on the roster now, Hutchinson could see a decrease in targets although he is still listed as a starting wide receiver on Houston’s most recent unofficial depth chart. Nonetheless, head coach DeMeco Ryans still identified one part of his game that
is irreplaceable - his infectious attitude.
DeMeco Ryans on Xavier Hutchinson:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) August 26, 2026
“He has an infectious energy. He plays hard every single snap & he makes plays. He works the right way, works hard at his craft. He has a confidence in himself, playing confident & it’s showing up every single day.” pic.twitter.com/V0EWAjoyeL
"It's his attitude. I love it. He has an infectious energy every time he steps on the field,” Ryans said. “He has this joy about him, he plays hard every single snap and he makes plays. The ball comes his way and he finds a way to make plays. That's what's exciting about 'Hutch.' Never have a bad day, always a great attitude, works the right way, works hard at his craft and he has a confidence in himself which you have to have at the wide receiver position. 'Hutch' has that confidence and he's playing confident and showing up every day."
Given Hutchinson is listed as a starter, he most likely will not play in the Texans’ preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers this coming Friday. Houston will be looking for its first preseason victory, while the Panthers are looking for their third straight win.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans HC DeMeco Ryans on WR Xavier Hutchison: 'Always a great attitude.'
