For starters, expect conservative approach
Expect the Texans to be conservative about how they utilize their starters during their third preseason game Saturday night against the Dallas Cowboys.
One week after quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins connected for a touchdown in one series against the Detroit Lions, the Texans are expected to follow a similar approach.
The third preseason game traditionally operates as a dress rehearsal for the regular season since starters rarely play at all in the fourth and final preseason game.
“I think it will be similar to how we used them in the Detroit game – not much," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "Some of that is a play count, so it depends on first team goes out there, is it a three-and-out? Is it a long drive? It’s not an exact science, it’s just kind of a general idea of how much we want them to play and then we’ll go from there.”
Watson is among the players the Texans will play lightly. Several players didn't play against the Lions including defensive end J.J. Watt, safeties Justin Reid and Tashaun Gipson, cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Lonnie Johnson, wide receiver Will Fuller and running back Lamar Miller.
Watson would ideally like to play a lot.
“The whole game, really, if I had to," Watson said. "I just love to play football. Any time I get to play, especially in the NFL, the best athletes in the world, an opportunity to get on the field on a national stage is a blessing, a great opportunity for anybody.
"So, how much I may play, I have no idea, if I play, but we'll just have to go from there and whenever my opportunity comes, make sure I do the best I can do.”