As is tradition, the NFL will gear up for the weekend’s upcoming enshrinement ceremony with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game — this year between the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears.
The two teams are set to square off due to their representatives, Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson and Chicago return specialist Devin Hester and defensive tackle Steve McMichael, entering Canton’s hallowed halls alongside Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers (also a Bear for four seasons), Patrick Willis and Randy Gradishar as the class of 2024.
The weekend will ultimately belong to those past greats, but there are still plenty of other storylines to dive into.
The Texans enter the season looking to show staying power as contenders coming off a surprise turnaround and AFC Divisional Round berth, while the Bears are hoping to emulate Houston’s worst-to-first formula in the NFC North after making major moves this spring.
Both squads will take the next step in their respective journeys under the lights of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Although head coach DeMeco Ryans wouldn’t provide a name-by-name list this week of who will suit up, he stressed giving younger players an extended opportunity.
That likely rules out a look at the Texans’ big three at wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell, all together, but Houston has plenty of other talented pass catchers worth tuning in for.
Principle among them is John Metchie III, now another year removed from overcoming a leukemia diagnosis his rookie season.
