With Alec Pierce on injured reserve, the Houston Texans are expecting a heavy dose of tight end Tyler Warren from the Indianapolis Colts.
"We expect Tyler Warren to be a focal point, especially with Alec Pierce out," said Texans' HC DeMeco Ryans, via Aaron Wilson. "We know he's a game-changer."
'We expect Tyler Warren to be a focal point, especially with Alec Pierce out. We know he's a game-changer' #Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on #Colts standout tight end
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 23, 2026
As he was last year as a rookie, Warren certainly has been a focal point in the passing game through two weeks for the Colts. His 12 targets are tied for the most on the team.
However, that hasn't led to much production, with Warren totaling just 34 receiving yards. That is a product of how he is being
utilized, with his average depth of target just 1.4 yards from the line of scrimmage, according to PFF.
In part, that's due to how defenses are defending Warren and the Colts' offense, which has largely been without a deep threat with Pierce on a snap count in Week 1 and then exiting last week's game early due to injury. Opponents can shrink the field and defend the Colts much more aggressively.
That said, this passing game needs a spark and the ability to create chunk plays. It's going to be up to Shane Steichen to find different ways to get Warren the ball that aren't just short-area throws. If not, then moving the ball consistently may not come easily for this offense.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Texans focused on Colts' pass catcher for Week 3 game
