Texans TE/FB James Casey caught five passes for 126 yards and a touchdown in the team's Week 3 loss to New Orleans.

He also rushed once for 11 yards. Casey was a bigger part of the Texans' game plan than he's ever been, being used as a rusher out of the backfield, wide receiver, and tight end. Casey has a knack for getting open and is an excellent athlete, so it's not crazy to think that he'll have more big games in the future. He's someone to add off the waiver wire, or at least keep a close eye on going forward. Particularly for owners strapped at tight end.

James Casey is expected to get the first chance to be the Texans' starting fullback this season.

The Texans lost the best lead-blocker in football Sunday when Vonta Leach signed with the Ravens. Casey is a highly athletic tight end that also happens to measure in at 6'3/240 and he did play some fullback at Rice. But make no mistake, this is a major downgrade.

The Houston Chronicle's John McClain believes James Casey would be one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the NFL if he played for another team.

McClain is one of the longest tenured and most respected beat writers in the NFL. Still third on the depth chart in Houston, Casey will need an Owen Daniels injury for a shot at fantasy value this season. Dynasty leaguers should note that Casey's rookie contract is up after the 2012 season. With Daniels locked up, Casey will have to leave the Texans for a shot at a starting job.

Texans TE James Casey has packed on 10 pounds in the offseason in preparation of playing more fullback this year.

Casey saw some action at fullback at Rice, but it wasn't like he was a hole-opening lead blocker. He's something of a contingency plan in case Houston loses Vonta Leach in free agency. Casey will focus more on special teams in 2011.

According to the Houston Chronicle's John McClain, the Texans would "love" to get TE James Casey more involved in the offense.

The problem, of course, is that he's still clearly behind both Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen. Barring injury to Daniels this season, Casey should be a fantasy non-factor.

Coach Gary Kubiak would like Owen Daniels to spend his "entire career" in Houston after signing a new four-year contract.

The deal undercuts any value James Casey may have had as a speculative stash in all but the deepest Dynasty leagues. Older than most coming into the league, Casey turns 27 in September. Daniels' deal also leaves 28-year-old Joel Dreessen without value. Dreessen hits free agency next season, but his temporary fantasy relevance last season was derived almost solely from the Texans' offense as opposed to his own talent.

Texans backup TE James Casey (ankle) graduated to a full practice on Thursday.

Coach Gary Kubiak initially feared that Casey's ankle sprain was significant, but it now looks like he won't miss any game action. He's not a fantasy option.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak confirmed Monday that the ankle injury suffered by TE James Casey in Week 2 is "more than a mild ankle sprain."

A high ankle sprain is possible. Casey will miss Week 3, and has no timeline to return. Owen Daniels will continue to start at tight end, though he's barely out-producing Joel Dreessen. Garrett Graham will now be active.

Texans TE James Casey injured his ankle during Sunday's win over the Redskins and "could be lost for a while," according to the Houston Chronicle.

Casey is set for an MRI Monday back in Houston. He has been running behind Joel Dreessen as the No. 3 tight end while functioning as a core special teamer. Look for fourth-round rookie Garrett Graham to fill that role next week.

Texans TE James Casey set a preseason franchise record with eight reception in Thursday's game against the Bucs.

Casey topped the record held by Andre Johnson on his way to 81 yards. He's a good bet to pick up extra playing time early in the season with Owen Daniels on a snap count. Casey won't be worth drafting in redraft leagues, he remains a Dynasty "hold" with Daniels entering another contract year.

With Owen Daniels (ACL surgery) still out, second-year TE James Casey is making an impression on Matt Schaub.

"[Casey] has a lot of things that can help us, and he fits well in what we do," Schaub said. A more natural pass-catcher than current nominal No. 1 tight end Joel Dreesen, Casey is a name to remember if Daniels has further complications with his knee.

Texans TE James Casey will miss next week's minicamp with a groin pull.

"He's going to be a few weeks," said coach Gary Kubiak. "If there was ever any good time, I guess it's good so we can get him healthy now." Groin strains can linger, but Casey has seven weeks to get ready for training camp.

Following Wednesday's OTA practice, coach Gary Kubiak praised second-year TE James Casey for having "probably as good an offseason as anybody."

"He's getting an excellent opportunity to prove he can start in this league," Kubiak said of Casey, who's getting first-team reps with Owen Daniels sidelined. "If he keeps going, he's got an opportunity to be a heck of player." Casey is also benefiting from working solely at tight end after practicing at fullback last offseason. He's someone to monitor in dynasty leagues.