Demaryius Thomas wants to remain with Texans, doesn't want to retire

PHOTOS: Texans vs. Colts Houston Texans wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (87) is introduced before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) Browse through the photos to see action from the Texans' playoff loss to the Colts on Saturday. less PHOTOS: Texans vs. Colts Houston Texans wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (87) is introduced before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian ... more Photo: Eric Christian Smith/Associated Press Photo: Eric Christian Smith/Associated Press Image 1 of / 308 Caption Close Demaryius Thomas wants to remain with Texans, doesn't want to retire 1 / 308 Back to Gallery

With his surgically repaired torn Achilles propped up behind him, veteran wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is looking at an uncertain future.

Although the 31-year-old five-time Pro Bowl selection would like to be back with the Texans, it will take him roughly six months to rehab the injury. And his contract would need to be adjusted as he's due a nonguaranteed $14 million base salary next year.

Whether the Texans would need Thomas with the healthy return of Will Fuller and Keke Coutee working in tandem with All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins is another question.

"I don't know, it's up in the air," Thomas said. "I had a tough injury. I am 31 now. A couple of guys are coming back like Will and Keke.

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"My main priority right now is getting back healthy. I can still play, man. I'm not thinking about retirement. I just don't know where it will be."

Ideally, Thomas would like to be back. He enjoys playing for the Texans and added leadership to the locker room. He also caught 23 passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns.

"I told them I would love to finish my career here, but we'll see," Thomas said. "This is what we have to deal with as players and guys in the locker room.

"I hope my appearance and being around the guys and talking to a couple of guys helped. I don't want to say I helped that much play-wise, but leadership-wise, I think I helped."

Texans coach Bill O'Brien acknowledged Thomas' contributions, but emphasized it's a fluid situation.

"I had a long talk with Demaryius the other day," O'Brien said. "He's a great guy. We'll see how the rehab goes. That's a tough injury. He knows that. He's 30 years old.

"That's not easy to come back from, but he's going to work hard. He wants to play again. He made that statement to me, and we'll see how it goes moving forward."

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