The Houston Texans will field their backup unit for the upcoming preseason matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that no starters will take the field, a decision made after the team completed a joint practice earlier in the week.
This session allowed the coaching staff to evaluate the first unit in a practice environment, leading to the current plan for the final exhibition game.
Injuries to key personnel, including wide receiver Jayden Higgins and offensive tackle Braden Smith, have also factored into the strategy to minimize risk. The conservative approach follows a preseason where the starting defense has yet to play in a game. Additionally, the starting offensive line has collectively appeared in only two drives across the last two contests.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud and running back Woody Marks were limited to a single drive during the previous week's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
With the regular season approaching, the team will rely on Davis Mills and Brett Rypien to lead the offense against the Panthers. This contest offers a final chance for players to demonstrate their abilities before the roster is cut to 53 men.
