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2020 could be a breakout year for Keke Coutee, here's why

Keke Coutee
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Keke Coutee's pro-career started with an extraordinary performance for the Houston Texans. In a Week 4 victory over the Colts, the then-rookie receiver set a new league record for the most receptions in a debut with 11 catches for 109 yards. Nearly two years later, Coutee has not come close to matching the on-field production from his first professional game.

A portion of Coutee's lack of productivity stems from operating in a small role within the Texans' crowed receiving core, but injuries may have been the most significant factor. Over the past two seasons, several injuries have limited Coutee to 15 games since his debut inside Lucas Oil Stadium in 2018.

"Keke had to deal with injuries, but when he plays — he has been very productive," Head Coach and General Manager Bill O'Brien said on Tuesday. "He is a guy who has dealt with some hamstring and some ankle [injuries]. I think the big thing for Keke is health."

The 23-year-old prodigy from Texas Tech has an opportunity to increase his role with the Texans this upcoming season. Houston's receiving group could have a plethora of obstacles due to DeAndre Hopkins' departure, and Coutee could help fill in the void — especially as a slot receiver.

Impressed by his development, O'Brien says Coutee has looked great in training camp working with the receiving and special team corps. And with additional assistance coming from Randall Cobb during practice, year three has the potential to be a breakout season for Coutee — if health stays on his side.

"He's a very confident and good player, but the big thing is health — which is the case for a lot of guys," O'Brien said. "Some of their journeys to a consistent career takes a little bit longer than other guys, and some of it is luck. But I think he is on the right track."

In nine games with the Texans last season, Coutee recorded 22 catches for 254 yards, averaging 11.5 yards per catch in 2019.

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Jeremy Peña is having success hitting fourth. Photo by Kevin M. Cox/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros host the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night looking to keep momentum rolling and hand the Jays their fifth straight loss. First pitch is set for 7:40 p.m. EDT at Daikin Park.

Both teams enter the matchup with nearly identical records—Houston at 12-11, Toronto at 12-12—but they’re trending in opposite directions. The Astros have won six of their last ten and boast an 8-6 record at home, while the Blue Jays have dropped four straight and are just 4-7 on the road.

Ryan Gusto gets the start for Houston, entering with a 2-1 record, a 3.18 ERA, and 17 strikeouts across three appearances. He’ll go up against Bowden Francis, who brings a 3.13 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP into the game, along with 20 strikeouts in his four starts.

Jeremy Peña continues to spark the Astros lineup with three homers and three doubles, while catcher Yainer Diaz has added timely hits despite a recent slump. For Toronto, George Springer leads the team with a .333 average, and Bo Bichette has been steady at the plate, going 14-for-45 over his last 10 games.

The Blue Jays have found success when they out-hit opponents, going 10-3 in those games—but Houston’s pitching staff has held opponents to just a 2.86 ERA over the past 10 outings.

The betting line has Toronto as slight road favorites at -120, with Houston at +100 and the over/under set at 8 runs.

Here's a look at tonight's lineup. Cam Smith gets the night off in right field, with Zach Dezenzo filling in. It appears Dezenzo's thumb is fine after banging it up sliding into second base a couple of night's ago.


Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot.

Jake Myers is also getting the night off as Chas McCormick gets the start in center. And Mauricio Dubon is getting the nod, starting over Brendan Rodgers at second base.

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