In the first season of a surprisingly lucrative three-year contract, 28-year-old Schultz slumped to five-year lows in receptions (53), yards (532) and touchdowns (two). This, despite the fact that Stefon Diggs never really got going before his ACL injury and Nico Collins spent time on injured reserve with a hamstring issue. Tank Dell was also lost in Week 16 to a knee issue. Schultz is a classic catch-and-fall specialist who long ago maxed out his talent, so it’s not like he has another level to ascend to. That being said, he probably ran unreasonably cold this year, and catching 50 balls five straight seasons is no small feat for a seam stretcher. Schultz will keep hanging around the TE1 periphery in 2025.

Schultz was able to get in a full practice Thursday and the 6-foot-5 tight end appears to be a full go for the contest against the Chiefs. It’s beyond plausible that the Texans are going to have to throw often in this game, so Schultz could be a sneaky play for the Saturday showdown in Kansas City.

The touchdown-dependent tight end is on track to play, having practiced in a limited capacity twice now. While Schultz is not a big-time difference maker, the Texans would undoubtedly prefer to have their starting tight end in the lineup for a potential shootout against the Chiefs.

Schultz has been dealing with this shoulder injury since Week 15, but hasn’t been on the injury report with it until now. It’s likely that he’ll continue to be a touchdown-or-bust bet against the Chiefs in the Divisional Round. Schultz did, notably, catch a score against the Chiefs on Christmas. He also saw a season-high eight targets in that game.