C.J. Fiedorowicz

In Deshaun Watson, J.J. Watt, and Whitney Mercilus, the Texans have several key players coming back from serious injuries but they won’t be getting tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz back.

Fiedorowicz signed a three-year deal with Houston after a 54-catch season in 2016, but three concussions limited him to five games in 2017 and led to his decision to retire once the year came to an end.

“I think they all have different strengths and weaknesses that they have to work on,” tight ends coach Tim Kelly said, via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “As far as replacing anybody, I don’t know if one person is going to do it. I think it will be more of a collective effort. But again, if you look at the tight ends and how they played last year, it’s more of a collective group, even when C.J. was in the room.”

Related players: Ryan Griffin, Stephen Anderson, Jordan Akins, Jordan Thomas

The Texans have seven tight ends on the roster right now and tight ends coach Tim Kelly said several of them will be tasked with filling the role come the regular season. The story said Griffin will likely be at the top of the group, but the team drafted Akins and Thomas, so they are likely the future. It's a situation to watch, as it would be hard to believe anyone who emerges offensively wouldn't get more snaps and opportunities as the season goes on.