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Dameon Pierce Dameon Pierce Not expected to play Saturday Fri, Aug 15, 2025, 1:18 PM Pierce, who got a rest day during Thursday's joint practice with the Panthers, is expected to be held out of Saturday's preseason game against Carolina, Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle reports. Analysis: Pierce has recently split first-team reps with Nick Chubb when not receiving a rest day, but the Texans appear to be taking a cautious approach to his workload, given that a quad injury kept him on the active/PUP list until Aug. 4. With Joe Mixon (foot) still on the active/non-football injury list and not set to be re-evaluated until closer to the start of the regular season, Pierce is competing with Chubb and rookie fourth-rounder Woody Marks for a potentially significant Week 1 opportunity.
Nick Chubb Nick Chubb Expected to play Saturday Fri, Aug 15, 2025, 12:32 PM Chubb (concussion), who handled the bulk of first-team reps during joint practices with the Panthers on Thursday, is expected to suit up for Saturday's preseason game against Carolina, Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle reports. Analysis: Chubb, who has now fully cleared the concussion protocol, has handled the bulk of first-team reps throughout training camp with Joe Mixon (lower leg) still on the active/non-football injury list. He's split those reps with Dameon Pierce, who was held out of Thursday's joint practice and appears on track to get a rest day Saturday. Chubb made a handful of explosive plays at practice Thursday, an encouraging development given that he's coming off back-to-back season-ending injuries. A strong showing versus Carolina would boost Chubb's standing in Houston's backfield, wherein he, Pierce, and rookie fourth-round pick Woody Marks are all working to make their case for the Week 1 starting gig in the event that Mixon isn't ready to go.
Christian Kirk Christian Kirk Entrenched as No. 2 WR Fri, Aug 15, 2025, 11:56 AM Kirk was a standout at joint practices with the Panthers on Thursday and has locked up the No. 2 wide receiver role behind Nico Collins, Cole Thompson of USA Today reports. Analysis: Kirk has demonstrated chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud throughout training camp, and per Thompson, he's clearly been the Texans' most consistent wide receiver other than Collins. While it's possible Kirk that rookie wideouts Jayden Higgins (second round) and Jaylin Noel (third round) are able to build steam down the stretch of the regular season and provide increased target competition, at minimum Kirk is positioned to open Week 1 in a valuable starting role as one of Stroud's top reads, and likely while dominating slot reps. Kirk is entering his age-29 campaign and is playing for a new contract.
Irv Smith Irv Smith Returns to practice Fri, Aug 15, 2025, 7:16 AM Smith (hand) returned to practice Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Houston reports. Analysis: Smith, who missed two days of practice this week, got healthy just in time for Saturday's preseason tilt against Carolina. It's a good time for him to be healthy, as the Texans lost a pair of tight ends this week to season-ending injuries -- Brevin Jordan (knee) and Dalton Keene (leg).
Dameon Pierce Dameon Pierce Splits first-team reps Wed, Aug 13, 2025, 9:03 AM Pierce (quadriceps) was a full practice participant Tuesday for the first time at training camp, splitting first-team reps with Nick Chubb, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Analysis: Pierce was on the PUP list until Aug. 4, but he has still time to make his case for the Week 1 starting job in the event Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) isn't ready. Chubb and passing-down back Dare Ogunbowale have taken most of the first-team reps during training camp, with rookie fourth-round pick Woody Marks lingering as another candidate for playing time in the regular season. Pierce is thus left in an odd position, with no guarantee of a roster spot even though he has some chance to open the season as a starter. A lot will depend on Mixon's health and the team's opinion on whether Chubb has regained some of his pre-surgery explosiveness.
Irv Smith Irv Smith Absent with hand injury Tue, Aug 12, 2025, 5:51 PM Smith (hand) did not practice Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Analysis: Smith didn't play in the Texans' preseason opener against the Vikings this past Saturday. With Brevin Jordan (knee) suddenly done for the year, there's a spot open in Houston's tight end room behind Dalton Schultz and Cade Stover. Smith is competing with Luke Lachey and Dalton Keene.
Nick Chubb Nick Chubb Sheds non-contact jersey Tue, Aug 12, 2025, 3:18 PM Chubb (concussion) practiced without a non-contact jersey Tuesday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports. Analysis: This means Chubb has either made it through concussion protocol or is in the final stage. He hit his head during practice last Tuesday and missed the next few days, but he returned Monday as a limited participant and now seems ready for full participation. With Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) uncertain for the start of the season, Chubb is competing with Dameon Pierce, Dare Ogunbowale and Woody Marks for backfield roles.
Brevin Jordan Brevin Jordan Placed on season-ending IR Tue, Aug 12, 2025, 10:37 AM The Texans (knee) announced Tuesday that Jordan (knee) will be placed on IR, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports. Analysis: Jordan, who had worked his way back from an ACL tear suffered in Week 2 of 2024 before being carted off the field Monday, appears to have suffered a second consecutive season-ending knee injury. It's a brutal development for the 2021 fifth-round pick, who had appeared positioned to fill a key role at tight end behind starter Dalton Schultz this season. Cade Stover and Irv Smith are now likely to have expanded roles behind Schultz.
Brevin Jordan Brevin Jordan Suffers knee injury at practice Mon, Aug 11, 2025, 3:33 PM Jordan (knee) was carted off the practice field Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Analysis: Jordan appears to have potentially suffered a significant injury at practice Monday, though the Texans haven't yet provided an official update on his health. The tight end entered training camp as a full participant after having suffered a season-ending ACL tear Week 2 of the 2024 campaign, and he's been competing with Cade Stover and Irv Smith for reserve duties behind incumbent starting tight end Dalton Schultz.
Nick Chubb Nick Chubb Back at practice Monday Mon, Aug 11, 2025, 2:26 PM Chubb (concussion) returned to practice Monday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports. Analysis: The report notes that Chubb, who went through the NFL's concussion protocol after taking a hard hit to the head this past Tuesday, sported a red non-contact jersey in his return to practice. Assuming no setbacks, the veteran running could see some snaps in Saturday's preseason game against the Panthers. Chubb's return to the mix is of particular import to the Texans, given that incumbent starting RB Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) remains sidelined.
Brevin Jordan Brevin Jordan Two grabs Saturday Sun, Aug 10, 2025, 11:33 AM Jordan caught both targets for 11 yards in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings. Analysis: This was Jordan's first game action since tearing an ACL in Week 2 last season. Presumptive starter Dalton Schultz was held out while Jordan, Cade Stover (two targets, nine yards) and Luke Lachey (three targets, two yards) received playing time and were targeted in the preseason opener. New offensive coordinator Nick Caley has experience as a tight ends coach with the both the Patriots and Rams, which suggests there could be room for more than just Schultz as a fantasy target at the position.
Braxton Berrios Braxton Berrios Scores lone TD in preseason opener Sun, Aug 10, 2025, 10:58 AM Berrios caught all three targets for 33 yards including a 14-yard touchdown reception in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings. He also had a 24-yard kickoff return and nine-yard punt return. Analysis: Berrios did most of the work on a misdirection play, catching the ball near the line of scrimmage and scooting up field before lowering his shoulder at the goal line. His primary job for the Texans is expected to be that of a returner, but the touchdown catch was a significant moment in Berrios' first game back since tearing his ACL last season while with Miami.
John Metchie John Metchie Comes up big in preseason opener Sat, Aug 9, 2025, 8:03 PM Metchie caught five of eight targets for 45 yards while adding 23 yards on one kickoff return in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings. Analysis: With Nico Collins and Christian Kirk both held out of the lineup, Metchie got the start and made a quick impact, catching an 18-yard strike from Davis Mills in the first quarter to help set up the Texans' only touchdown of the day. Rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are the favorites to claim the No. 3 spot on the depth chart to open the regular season, but if the youngsters don't seem ready, Metchie -- a one-time top prospect in his own right who was a second-round pick in 2022 -- might find himself in a bigger role than expected.
Jaylin Noel Jaylin Noel Snags two passes Saturday Sat, Aug 9, 2025, 7:53 PM Noel caught both his targets for 16 yards in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings. Analysis: The 2025 third-round pick slightly out-performed fellow rookie Jayden Higgins, although both young wideouts were overshadowed by veterans John Metchie (5-45-0 on eight targets) and Braxton Berrios (3-33-1 on three targets). Nico Collins and Christian Kirk should be C.J. Stroud's top two options when the regular season begins, but Higgins and Noel could be locked in a battle for the No. 3 spot straight through training camp and the preseason.
Jayden Higgins Jayden Higgins Two short grabs Saturday Sat, Aug 9, 2025, 7:47 PM Higgins caught both his targets for eight yards in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings. Analysis: The 2025 second-round pick made minimal impact in his first NFL game action, catching two short passes from depth QB Kedon Slovis late in the second quarter. Higgins is expected to start for the Texans this season alongside Nico Collins and Christian Kirk in three-wide sets, but the rookie's usage Saturday suggests he still has to earn that assignment, as he took a back seat to veterans John Metchie (5-45-0 on eight targets) and Braxton Berrios (3-33-1 on three targets).
Woody Marks Woody Marks Minimal role in preseason opener Sat, Aug 9, 2025, 7:40 PM Marks carried the ball three times for four yards and added 26 yards on one kickoff return in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings. Analysis: Even with Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) out of commission and both Nick Chubb (head) and Dameon Pierce sitting out the Texans' exhibition opener, it was veteran special teams ace Dare Ogunbowale who got the start in the backfield. Marks, a 2025 fourth-round pick out of USC, was the second back into the game for Houston, but he didn't see many touches before giving way to Jawhar Jordan. Given the draft capital used to acquire Marks -- the Texans burned a 2026 third-round pick to move up and get him -- his spot on the roster should be secure, but it's not clear if he'll have much of a role in the offense to begin his rookie campaign.
Davis Mills Davis Mills Tosses TD on only drive Saturday Sat, Aug 9, 2025, 7:33 PM Mills completed four of five passes for 50 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings. Analysis: The 26-year-old backup quarterback got the start with C.J. Stroud held out of the Texans' exhibition opener, but Mills played only one drive, which he capped with a 14-yard TD to Braxton Berrios. Mills is set as Houston's No. 2 QB, but it's a role that hasn't led him to much action since Stroud got to town as he's attempted only 75 passes in 10 regular-season games over the last two seasons.
British Brooks British Brooks Logs one catch in preseason loss Sat, Aug 9, 2025, 7:09 PM Brooks secured his only target for three yards during Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings. Analysis: Brooks had his rookie year cut short after five regular-season appearances due to a torn meniscus, but now appears back to full health. He faces tough competition for a reserve spot on the 53-man roster, with all of Woody Marks, Dare Ogunbowale, Jawhar Jordan and J.J. Taylor competing for opportunities behind Joe Mixon (foot), Nick Chubb (head) and Dameon Pierce.
Nick Chubb Nick Chubb Not slated to play Saturday Sat, Aug 9, 2025, 2:44 PM Chubb (head) is not in line to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Vikings, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Analysis: Chubb missed a couple of practices after taking a hard hit to the head Tuesday, but he may have been rested anyway Saturday, with the Texans holding a number of other key players out. Also not in line to see action against Minnesota are QB C.J. Stroud, RB Dameon Pierce and TE Dalton Schultz.
C.J. Stroud C.J. Stroud Not on track to start Saturday Sat, Aug 9, 2025, 2:38 PM Stroud is not in line to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Vikings, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Analysis: With the Texans resting a number of starters Saturday, Davis Mills will start at QB in place of Stroud. The third-year signal-caller's next chance to see game action will arrive Aug. 16 against the Panthers.