Raiders name Tre Tucker top receiver as Texans reshuffle depth chart after Higgins injury
Preseason week two showed the Las Vegas Raiders favoring Tre Tucker as their leading wideout, while the Houston Texans moved Xavier Hutchinson into a larger role following Jayden Higgins' ACL tear.
The Las Vegas Raiders used the second preseason game to signal that Tre Tucker is their primary wide receiver. Tucker did not play, while newcomer Jalen Nailor saw snaps, suggesting the coaching staff views Tucker as the top option on the depth chart. Sixth-round rookie Malik Benson took Tucker's usual Z-receiver spot, and the recent signing of veteran Noah Brown adds further competition for outside receiver roles.
In Houston, second-year receiver Jayden Higgins suffered a torn ACL in practice, ending his season. With Higgins unavailable, the Texans are expected to start Xavier Hutchinson at the Z position and rotate him with returning veteran Tank Dell. Hutchinson saw the majority of his snaps on the outside in the recent game, indicating a likely slot role for the recovering Jaylin Noel once he is healthy.
The Texans also have a crowded tight-end group after offseason additions. Dalton Schultz remains the clear starter, while rookie Marlin Klein, veteran Foster Moreau and backup Brevin Jordan are competing for backup duties. None of the backups are projected to have fantasy relevance unless Schultz is injured.
Other preseason notes include the Raiders resting key starters such as quarterback Kirk Cousins and tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, and the Texans sitting veterans like running back David Montgomery and tight end Dalton Schultz. Injuries to backup players on both teams were also reported, including a strained hip flexor for running back Jawhar Jordan and a broken hand for fullback British Brooks.
Overall, the week provided clearer insight into the Raiders' receiver hierarchy and the Texans' adjustments after a significant injury to a young wideout.