The Houston Texans have announced that none of their starters will participate in the upcoming preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Head coach DeMeco Ryans made this decision following a joint practice with the Panthers, which allowed the team to assess their first unit earlier in the week.
In prior preseason contests, the Texans' starters had limited playtime. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and running back Woody Marks were on the field for just one drive against the Las Vegas Raiders last week. The starting offensive line has only been involved in two drives across both games, and notably, the starting defense has yet to take the field this preseason.
Ryans stated that the choice to rest starters is deliberate, as the team is pleased with their performance during the joint practice. The decision is also influenced by injuries to key players like wide receiver Jayden Higgins and offensive tackle Braden Smith, prompting a cautious approach to minimize the risk of further injuries.
As the Texans gear up for the regular season, they will rely on backups, including quarterbacks Davis Mills and Brett Rypien, in the matchup against the Panthers. This game will provide a final chance for players to demonstrate their abilities before the Texans finalize their 53-man roster.
Their season opener against the Buffalo Bills at Reliant Stadium is on the horizon, where starters are expected to play.
