Houston Texans Garrett Graham likely out with back injury
By Brian Miller
The Houston Texans will have to turn to rookie C.J. Fiedorowicz on Sunday to man the tight end position. Starting tight end Garrett Graham is likely out with a back injury.
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Graham has missed the last two practices as he deals with back issues. The Houston Texans will field 20 new players on their roster, ten of which are rookies including Fiedorowicz. The team had the first pick in this past May’s NFL Draft.
"“We’re still checking him out,” O’Brien said, via ESPN.com. “He might be available. He’s probably a guy that we’d have to work out on the morning of the game.”"
Fiedorowicz, a 6-5 265 pound prospect out of Iowa was taken by the Texans with their first pick in the third round. If the team does indeed lose Graham this weekend they will have only two tight ends. The team adjourned training camp keeping three tight-ends. Third team Ryan Griffin should see plenty of snaps on Sunday against the Washington Redskins.
In 2013, Graham posted 545 yards on 49 catches and five touchdowns after the team lost starter Owen Daniels injury.
If TE Garrett Graham (back) can't play, as expected, another rookie, TE CJ Fiedorowicz will start.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 5, 2014
The loss of Graham hurts an offense that is struggling at several positions including quarterback where Ryan Fitzpatrick will get the start. The team traded a conditional 7th round pick to the New England Patriots for Ryan Mallett a short week ago. Graham would have provided a better target for Fitzpatrick as Fiedorowicz is considered a better blocking tight end.