John Metchie III will finally play in his first NFL game.
The Houston Texans wide receiver missed his entire rookie season after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia in July 2022. Metchie’s anticipated return hit another setback when he missed Week 1 with a hamstring injury.
However, the 23-year-old is officially active for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Team reporter Deepi Sidhu shared a video of Metchie in uniform, practicing a handshake with fellow Texans wideout Tank Dell on the sideline before kickoff.
Hoping for lots of #Texans celebrations like this today. WR John Metchie III is active today and will make his NFL debut. pic.twitter.com/QWHM0icV8U
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) September 17, 2023
Texans’ WR John Metchie III, who missed his rookie season last year while battling Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, is active today and is set to make his NFL regular-season debut vs. the Colts. pic.twitter.com/2q3ZckpsRe
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2023
Houston selected Metchie in the second round after he tallied 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns during his final season at Alabama.
In early August, Metchie declared that he was feeling “110 percent.” The 23-year-old suited up for limited reps this preseason.
After practicing Wednesday, Metchie looked forward to making his regular-season NFL debut.
“I’m extremely excited, but I can’t get too ahead of myself,” Metchie told KPRC’s Aaron Wilson. “I just have to be patient. That’s kind of the biggest thing. Although I’m really excited, I got to be patient and just be ready whenever my number is called, whenever that is.”
A healthy Metchie gives quarterback C.J. Stroud another young playmaker at his disposal. The rookie is also active despite being listed as questionable with a shoulder injury.
Metchie is about to take the field with the AFC South showdown starting at 1 p.m. ET.