Houston Texans’ Final Dress Rehearsal Before Chargers Is About More Than the Starters
Houston Texans’ Final Dress Rehearsal Before Chargers Is About More Than the Starters
Article by: B. Keith Crear III
The Houston Texans are one day away from putting somebody in a different-colored jersey across the line of scrimmage, and that alone changes everything. Thursday night's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers won't count in the standings, but for Houston's rookies, young reserves and players living near the bottom of the depth chart, this might be the most important football they've played since arriving in the NFL.
Nico Collins Reminds Everyone Who WR1 Is
Houston moved Tuesday's practice inside Reliant Stadium, giving the Texans an opportunity to work through game-like situations in the building where they'll face Los Angeles on Thursday.
It didn't take long for Nico Collins to make his presence felt.
Texans analyst John Harris reported that Collins opened the session with an impressive sideline reception on a well-placed pass from C.J. Stroud.
That's hardly surprising anymore.
Collins has become the kind of receiver Houston expects to make difficult catches. What matters more at this stage of August is how comfortable Stroud and Collins look operating together while the rest of the offense sorts itself out.
The Texans don't need Collins proving he's their top receiver Thursday night.
They need the guys behind him proving they belong.
Treyvhon Saunders Has a Chance to Make Some Noise
One name worth remembering against the Chargers is rookie wide receiver Treyvhon Saunders.
Saunders made multiple plays during Tuesday's practice, including a sideline reception before hauling in a deep touchdown from Davis Mills. His performance drew an enthusiastic response from teammates.
Now comes the fun part.
Do it when another team is trying to stop you.
Training-camp highlights earn attention. Preseason production earns roster conversations.
That's why Thursday could be particularly important for Saunders and the rest of Houston's young receiver group. Every route, special-teams assignment and contested catch becomes another piece of evidence for coaches trying to construct a 53-man roster.
Will Anderson Jr. Continues Being a Problem
If Houston's offense needed another reminder about the quality of the defense it practices against every day, Will Anderson Jr. provided it.
Anderson forced the ball from Stroud's hands during Tuesday's practice and followed that play by recording another would-be sack.
We've reached the point where Anderson wrecking a practice period barely qualifies as surprising.
That's a good problem to have.
The Texans have spent camp practicing against an aggressive defensive front capable of disrupting timing and forcing quarterbacks to make decisions quickly. That should benefit Houston's offensive line and quarterbacks once the competition changes Thursday night.
Joshua Pitsenberger Is an Undrafted Rookie Worth Watching
Running back Joshua Pitsenberger also deserves a spot on the preseason watch list.
The former Yale back produced several strong runs Tuesday, including one that started near the 10-yard line and nearly reached the end zone. His college résumé offers some evidence that the moment won't overwhelm him: Pitsenberger rushed for 209 yards and three touchdowns in Yale's 43-42 comeback victory over Youngstown State in the 2025 FCS playoffs.
That's exactly the type of player preseason football was made for.
Most fans already know Stroud, Collins and Anderson.
August introduces everybody else.
Texans Make Another Roster Adjustment
Houston also made a roster move Wednesday, signing rookie kicker Chris Freeman and waiving wide receiver Montrell Washington. The Texans list Freeman at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds out of Connecticut. The NFL's official Aug. 12 transaction roundup independently lists both moves.
The timing makes Freeman another player to watch immediately. Special-teams jobs can turn quickly during the preseason, and every kick carries more weight when roster decisions are approaching.
Thursday Night Finally Gives Houston Real Evaluation Tape
The Texans and Chargers kick off Thursday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. CT at Reliant Stadium. The game will air locally on ABC-13/KTRK and nationally on NFL Network, according to the Texans.
I'll pay attention to the stars if they play, but they aren't my biggest reason for watching.
I want to see Saunders against unfamiliar defensive backs.
I want to see Pitsenberger when defenders can actually finish tackles.
I want to see which offensive linemen hold up when Anderson isn't the guy rushing them.
And I want to see which player we've barely discussed suddenly makes himself impossible to ignore.
My Two Pennies
Preseason football isn't meaningless. It's just meaningful to different people.
For Stroud and Collins, Thursday is another checkpoint on the road toward Sept. 13 and Buffalo.
For an undrafted rookie, reserve offensive lineman or receiver fighting for the fifth or sixth spot, Thursday might feel like the Super Bowl.
That's why I enjoy these games.
Somebody will walk into Reliant Stadium Thursday as a name buried on Houston's roster and leave with Texans fans searching for his highlights.
We just don't know who yet.
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