The Houston Texans are preparing to take on the Carolina Panthers in their last preseason game, but head coach DeMeco Ryans has confirmed that no starters will participate. This decision follows a joint practice with the Panthers earlier in the week, which allowed the team to assess their first unit in a practice environment.
In the previous two preseason matchups, the starters for the Texans have had limited playtime. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and running back Woody Marks participated in only one drive last week against the Las Vegas Raiders. The starting offensive line has collectively been on the field for just two drives across both games, and the starting defense has yet to see action during the preseason.
Ryans noted that this cautious strategy for the final game is deliberate, as the team is pleased with the starters' performance during the joint practice. The decision to rest the starters also comes amid injuries to significant players, including wide receiver Jayden Higgins and offensive tackle Braden Smith, which may have contributed to the choice to minimize injury risk.
As the Texans gear up for the regular season, backups, likely including quarterbacks Davis Mills and Brett Rypien, will take the field against the Panthers. This game will provide a final chance for players to demonstrate their abilities ahead of the Texans' finalization of their 53-man roster.
The Texans will open their season against the Buffalo Bills at Reliant Stadium, where the starters are expected to make their first appearance of the season.
