The Houston Texans are preparing to face the Carolina Panthers in their last preseason game, but head coach DeMeco Ryans has confirmed that none of the starters will participate. This decision follows a joint practice with the Panthers, which allowed the team to assess their first unit earlier this week.
In the previous two preseason games, the starters had minimal playing time. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and running back Woody Marks were on the field for only one drive against the Las Vegas Raiders last week. The starting offensive line has played just two drives across both games, and the starting defense has yet to take the field this preseason.
Ryans stated that this cautious strategy for the final game is deliberate, as the coaching staff is pleased with the starters' performance during the joint practice. The Texans are also managing injuries to key players, such as wide receiver Jayden Higgins and offensive tackle Braden Smith, which has contributed to the decision to rest the starters and reduce the risk of injury.
As the team gears up for the regular season, backups, including quarterbacks Davis Mills and Brett Rypien, are expected to lead the team against the Panthers. This matchup will be a final chance for players to demonstrate their abilities before the Texans finalize their 53-man roster.
The Texans will open their season against the Buffalo Bills at Reliant Stadium, where the starters are anticipated to play.
