The Houston Texans are preparing to face the Carolina Panthers in their final 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 earlier this week, which allowed the team to assess their first unit in a practice environment.
In prior preseason matchups, the starters have had limited playtime. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and running back Woody Marks were on the field for just one drive against the Las Vegas Raiders last week. The starting offensive line has collectively participated in only two drives throughout the preseason, and the starting defense has yet to take the field.
Ryans explained that this cautious strategy is deliberate, as the team is content with how the starters performed during the joint practice. The decision to rest starters is also influenced by injuries affecting key players, including wide receiver Jayden Higgins and offensive tackle Braden Smith.
In their upcoming game against the Panthers, the Texans will likely rely on backups, including quarterbacks Davis Mills and Brett Rypien, to showcase their abilities before the team finalizes its 53-man roster.
The Texans will kick off their regular season against the Buffalo Bills at Reliant Stadium, where starters are expected to make their first appearance of the season.
