Texans' Rookies Could Take Over Preseason Opener vs. Chargers

The Texans want to get those rookies as many reps as possible to practice in those moments in an exhibition game, while also resting several key players and star-caliber guys around their roster in the process.

Texans Expecting to Rest Starters & Key Players vs. Chargers

DeMeco Ryans hinted earlier in the week that the Texans were going to rest a few players around the roster for their Thursday night matchup against Los Angeles.

That seemed to indicate several key starters would be held out from getting all but one drive of snaps, if any at all––which is exactly how they operated in last year's preseason opener vs. the Minnesota Vikings.

According to Wilson, guys like C.J. Stroud, David Montgomery, Woody Marks, and Nico Collins will all be rested for the game. Expect a similar approach on the defensive end and their starters, and even the same on special teams.

The Texans went out to sign a UDFA kicker before the game to allow Ka'imi Fairbairn to take the week off, and will now be starting Chris Freeman vs. the Chargers.

The starting offensive line will play a drive, but for most of the night, Houston will roll with second- and third-stringers, and where possible, hand over a ton of looks to their rookies.

But that still leaves a ton to be excited about for this matchup, because for all of these Texans rookies, getting these extended reps in the preseason can be huge for their development early in the year.

Marlin Klein will be able to see a ton of snaps on the field as a primary tight end. Kayden McDonald can get a big workload on Houston's defensive interior. Wade Woodaz and Aiden Fisher might be able to get a ton of looks in the linebacker room. Other offseason standouts like Lewis Bond and Collin Wright can get their respective opportunities.

And if one, or multiple of the Texans' rookies are able to catch their stride early in the year, that'll not only help them boost their chances of making the 53-man roster, but it could get them some early snaps in the regular season.

So if there's one thing you can expect from the Texans in game one of three in their preseason slate: you might be seeing a lot of first-year players, and like any rookie, maybe some growing pains and learning moments in the process.