Gary Kubiak has said that the Houston Texans' young receivers will be able to reduce the team's dependence on Andre Johnson.
The 32-year-old was the team's leading receiver in 2012, with 1,598 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
The head coach told the team's website: "I think there was a point with Andre and us, Andre wouldn't come off the field. He knew we just weren't as solid when we kept going. There was times probably when Andre played through and he probably should have come off the field for a few snaps or something.
"Right now, Andre has confidence Keshawn [Martin] can play both spots and he'll come off the field when he's gassed and knows we can keep doing what we do. For him to say that, that tells you how far those young guys have come.
"Andre's a guy that you're going to let him call the shots. You want him out there all you possibly can. He's smart enough to know when he's gassed in a situation and he needs a snap or two off. I just think him having that confidence keeps him fresh all the time."
The Texan play a pre-season game against the New Orleans Saints tomorrow.
