Another week without Pro Bowl wideout Nico Collins means the Houston Texans will need a playmaker to step up Sunday in his placewhen the team travels to Indianapolis to take on the Colts.
Who will be the top option this week forC.J. Stroud? Jaylin Noel has been explosive on the field, but he's only recorded three receptions. Xaiver Hutchsinon has the potential to be a top target, but he's also dropped several easy passes. And while Kayshon Boutte might have the highest ceiling, his play has been mixed at best through two outings.
So, who is the new reliable force for Houston's passing game? It's the old one from last week, across the middle of the field: tight end Dalton Schultz.
For the second week, Schultz will be the safety net for Stroud and
the passing game. Of course, he's been that way for most of his career since joining the Texans in 2023.
“Dalton has always been that playmaker for us,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Just seeing him continue to thrive in this offense, seeing his connection with C.J., it’s been fun to watch."
Entering his ninth season, Schultz is off to a career start. In Sunday's 20-6 loss, he was the lone offensive bright spot, totaling 12 catches for 140 yards, a career high in both categories. And this is fresh off of coming from a season where he totaled a career-high 82 catches, thus signaling another extension.
Fans often point to Collins, a three-time 1,000-yard playmaker, as the reason the offense goes stale; Schultz's impact is the reason there's life. Keep in mind that once the nine-year veteran left the divisional-round loss to the New England Patriots in the first quarter, the offense lost its spark, resulting in a five-turnover day.
“Dalton has been a leader since he's been here,” Ryans said. “It's who he is just as a man. He cares a lot about his team. He cares a lot about winning. He's always pulling guys aside, talking to guys.”
Stroud, who last week targeted Schultz 14 times, called his tight end more than just a weapon. Over their four years, the former No. 2 overall pick credited Schultz for helping him become more assertive in the huddle and vocal on the sidelines.
"He's been huge to me, and I think he's been great to this team, great to this organization," Stroud said. "He's a man's man, he wants to work hard, he does the dirty work."
Ryans said that he sees Schultz becoming a coach one day, but on Sunday, he'll need him to be the reliable target that keeps the offense driving toward its first win in 2026.
"Every week Dalton finds a way to make a play," Ryans said. "Very smart player, headsy player, understands zone concepts, understands how to find a soft spot in zone, also has the speed enough to beat man coverage as well. Dalton is always available. He's always open, and C.J. does a great job of finding him."
Through two games, Schultz ranks sixth in receptions (19) and 13th in receiving yards (175). Among tight ends, he's second in both stats, trailing only Arizona's Trey McBride in catches and Buffalo's Dalton Kincaid in yards.
Kickoff from Lucas Oil Stadium is scheduled for Noon.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans turn to TE Dalton Schultz as Mr. Consistency in Week 3 vs. Colts
