Five things to watch for in Thursday's game.
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The last time the Texans played in an actual game, they were promptly dispatched from the playoffs by the Indianapolis Colts. Since then, the Texans fired general manager Brian Gaine, built a new management structure centered around the authority of coach Bill O’Brien, and overhauled their offensive line and secondary. As the Texans make their preseason debut Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, here are five situations that bear watching:
New-look offensive line 1
One year after the Texans allowed an NFL-high 62 sacks and repeatedly endangered star quarterback Deshaun Watson’s health, a reboot of blockers is hoping for much different results. The Texans’ hopes hinge on former Pro Bowl left tackle Matt Kalil resurrecting his injuryplagued career, and rookie firstround draft pick Tytus Howard plugging in as a physical presence next to Kalil at left guard. So far, Howard looks aggressive and tough inside and tossed around the Packers’ pass rushers during joint practices. Center Nick Martin has been out the entire training camp with a strained hamstring, but backup Greg Mancz will step in for him temporarily. A battle is being waged at right guard between veteran Zach Fulton, prone to injuries last year after signing a $28 million contract, and big rookie second-round pick Max Scharping, who looks more natural at tackle. Right tackle Seantrel Henderson has recovered from a broken ankle that ended his season last year. The Texans’ ability to protect Watson will get a test against a Packers front seven that includes pass rushers Za’Darius Smith, Kyler Fackrell and Rashan Gary. Running back pecking order
2
After cutting D’Onta Foreman, the backup running back situation is in flux. Lamar Miller is an established starter. Behind him, it’s all unproven players. Josh Ferguson has shown pass-catching skills. Damarea Crockett is powerful. Karan Higdon is instinctive and quick. Taiwan Jones has a lot of speed but is primarily a specialteams contributor along with Buddy Howell. How they perform on special teams in addition to running and catching the ball is pivotal to the chase for a roster spot. New cornerbacks 3
Rookie corner Lonnie Johnson Jr. makes his preseason debut after getting booted from practice and then being held out Tuesday in the fallout from big hits that angered the Packers and led to a practice scuffle. Johnson is raw and still maturing, but he has an aggressive style and plays with no fear. At 6-2 and 213 pounds with 4.39 speed, Johnson is an intriguing developmental project. It will be instructive to see how he handles himself in terms of composure if the Packers try to settle a score during the game. Newcomer Bradley Roby, a former Broncos first-round pick, is on a one-year, prove-it deal. Roby has excellent mobility and did a good job against Chiefs star wideout Tyreek Hill last season, but he has to play more consistently that he did a year ago. TheWarring factor 4
At 6-5 and 252 pounds, rookie tight end Kahale Warring is big, strong and fast. A former water polo standout, Warring has gained a considerable amount of muscle since walking on at San Diego State and maintained his ability to move. The third-round draft pick has strung together his best practices this week in Green Bay since being sidelined at the start of camp with a hamstring injury, catching touchdown passes. Warring has a prime opportunity to earn a lot of playing time in his first NFL season. Who’s in, who’s out? 5
Backup quarterback A. J. McCarron is likely out for the remainder of the preseason with a right thumb injury, impacting the Texans’ plans under center. Versatile third quarterback Joe Webb is expected to play a lot against the Packers, with Watson expected to play sparingly. Not expected to play besides McCarron are defensive end J. J. Watt ( groin), center Nick Martin (hamstring), tight end Jordan Thomas (hamstring), return specialist DeAndre Carter, cornerback Jermaine Kelly and, possibly, slot corner Aaron Colvin, who left practice early Tuesday. Of course, absent franchise-tagged player Jadeveon Clowney hasn’t signed his $15.967 million tender and isn’t planning to report until late in the preseason to get ready for the Sept. 9 season opener at New Orleans.