Five things to watch
LOS ANGELES — Traditionally, the third preseason game is the most significant moment in the NFL this month. • It’s akin to a dress rehearsal since it’s the last time the majority of the starters will play until the season opener. • “It’s important,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “It’s the third game. It’s an important game relative to the preseason, not relative to the season. Still doesn’t count in the standings, but it’s important for us to keep improving as a team, keep trying to get better in specific areas.” Here’s a quick-hit look at five things to watch when the Texans play the Los Angeles Rams at the Coliseum:
1A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Watt hasn’t played in a game since suffering a gruesome broken leg last year. Healthy again having made a full recovery, Watt is hoping to get a small taste of playing time to get ready to chase around New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the first regular-season game. O’Brien said this week that every healthy player will play against the Rams. Based on what Watt has done in practice, everything looks on track regardless of how much or how little he does on this trip to the West Coast. Clowney just started practicing fullgo this week after offseason arthroscopic knee surgery. If the Pro Bowl pass-rusher plays, it’s only expected to be a brief appearance.
Tyrann Mathieu
2Mathieu has been held out of the Texans’ first two preseason games as a precautionary measure. The former All-Pro safety is eager to build some game chemistry with his new teammates. Mathieu has already made an impact in practice with his feisty personality and hard-hitting style. Now, he wants to show what he can do in an actual game.
Deshaun Watson
3Watson has been extremely sharp, albeit in limited preseason action. This marks an opportunity for him to hone his timing before a real game. The early returns on the star quarterback’s comeback are extremely encouraging. He looks mobile, accurate and confident in his surgically repaired knee.
Punter battle
4Undrafted rookie Trevor Daniel is mounting a challenge to seven-time Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler. Lechler is coming off an outstanding season, but Daniel has been booming the football and is an outstanding athlete. What started off as an apprenticeship for Daniel has evolved into a true competition.
Running game
5As impressive as a leaner Lamar Miller has looked, his backups have been underwhelming. Alfred Blue hasn’t broken many tackles and fumbled last week. Troymaine Pope has displayed flashes. Undrafted rookies Lavon Coleman and Terry Swanson haven’t shown much so far. Complicating the situation: talented backup running back D’Onta Foreman may have to start the season on the physically unable to perform list as he’s still not back from a torn Achilles sustained late last season.