After trading him away on Tuesday, Denver faces Demaryius Thomas on Sunday.

The Denver Broncos (3-5) host the Houston Texans (5-3) this week in a matchup that is significant for a variety of reasons. The previously longest-tenured Bronco, Demaryius Thomas was traded to the Texans just hours before the trade deadline on Tuesday, five days before the teams are set to square off against each other.

John McClain, who covers the NFL for the Houston Chronicle, joined Eric Goodman – Co-Host of Afternoon Drive with Goodman and Shapiro. Weekdays 4-6pm and Guest Host Bruce Haertl on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 to help justify the trade of Thomas to Houston.

When asked if Thomas would have been a member of the Texans if Will Fuller had not suffered an ACL tear last Thursday against the Dolphins, McClain replied, “Absolutely not.” With Fuller’s injury, the Texans are in need of a receiver to take the pressure off of DeAndre Hopkins.

“This could be eight games for Demaryius Thomas, depending on how he plays,” McClain said in response to how long might Thomas wear a Texans uniform. With only one year remaining on his contract, Thomas can be released with a $3.5 million dead cap hit after this season. The trade comes at a very important time for Thomas, who now gets to play for a first place team that has won five straight games after starting 0-3.

As for the game on Sunday, the Broncos will look to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot against a team who is now the favorite to win the AFC South following a disappointing start. According to McClain, a big reason for the Texans recent success can be attributed to the play of the offensive line. However, playing against pass rushers like Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, “It could get ugly,” for the Houston offense, McClain said.

Click here to listen to the full interview with John McClain, including what he had to say about the type of guy J.J. Watt is and how Luke Richesson may have influenced the trade, or listen to the podcast below.

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