Key Storylines Heading into Chargers' First Preseason Game Against the Texans

The Los Angeles Chargers face off against the Houston Texans on Thursday in their first preseason matchup of the 2026 season. The 2026 season has brought significant changes to the Chargers organization with two new coordinators and entirely new offensive scheme and questions about how that will all look will be answered for the first time against the Texans.

The Chargers have created significant competition across the entire roster and have several fierce position battles that will need to be settled sooner rather than later. Let's dive into several questions and storylines to look forward to as the Chargers take on the Texans.

Chris O'Leary's first game calling plays in the NFL

Jun 16, 2026, El Segundo, California; Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary during minicamp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Chargers new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary has one year of play-calling under hit belt at Western Michigan University. Thursday night will be the first time he calls plays in an NFL game. Obviously, in the first preseason game and without the regular starters, the call sheet will be fairly vanilla for O'Leary.

How the defensive operation under O'Leary will be worth keeping track of. Is the operation smooth despite new faces and constant rotation? Is there good communication? What is the defensive attitude?

This will be the first time the Chargers defense will face off against an opponent and be tested. It will be worth noting how the players who are in the game are playing and the coaching points that have been implemented. O'Leary has massive shoes to fill in replacing Jesse Minter and this will be the first indication of what style of defense the Chargers will bring to the table in 2026.

Will the left guard battle find clarity?

The Chargers opted for a battle between at least five players for the starting left guard position. Through OTAs and now into the third week of camp, it appears the job is down to three players but offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel was adamant that no one has been eliminated from the tournament in his words.

The Texans have a ferocious defensive front, even their backups will bring the fight to the Chargers which will be a blessing in terms of evaluating the offensive line. Will a player separate themselves against the Texans?

The Chargers coaching staff has stated that they want to name their starting offensive line somewhere around the second preseason game. A standout performance could go a long way to settling this battle.

Which linebacker will bring the boom?

The back end of the linebacker room will be a tough battle to wrap up training camp. Former Michigan Wolverine and third-round pick Junior Colson has not been able to stay healthy and faces the risk of being left off the roster.

Colson and second-year linebacker Marlowe Wax are both physical linebackers in the run game but Colson needs to make up for lost time. Wax had a phenomenal preseason in 2025 and played at an undeniable level. He also impressed in his lone start of the season in week 18 against the Denver Broncos and should have built in momentum heading into the preseason games.

It is hard for inside linebackers to stand out in passing drills. They need an offensive and defensive line in front of them to read and react to and make plays. Facing the Texans will be the first chance to truly make an impression.

What will Mike McDaniel and Jim Harbaugh's working relationship look like on the sidelines

The Chargers' hiring of Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator brought significant excitement to the organization and around the NFL. Questions have been raised at how their personalities would match with the quirky blend of the old school and the new. The two have built a great working relationship throughout the offseason and into training camp.

The first preseason game will be the test run with both of them on the sidelines. How will the dynamic work? How will they handle fourth -down calls and decision-making? Chris O'Leary has worked with Harbaugh before, this will be new for McDaniel and worth watching to see them work through any rough edges.

Which undrafted gem will rise to the occasion

The Chargers have a rich history in finding gems that fit their team and culture amongst the UDFA class. Running back Austin Ekeler may be the most memorable in terms of playing his way from obscurity to a roster spot with incredible play in the preseason. Last year it was Marlowe Wax. Who will rise to moment and kick the door down?

Special teams

The special teams units will be the spot for many bubble players to fight and make a name for themselves. Heading into the 2026 season, there are many questions that have yet to be answered and roles that special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken will need to fill.

Beyond Derius Davis as a returner, who else is capable of filling that role? Across from Deane Leonard, who will take the other gunner role? Assuming Tuli Tuipulotu takes a step back from special teams, who fills his role?

The preseason games will play a major factor in how many of the special teams roles are ultimately decided and could settle roster spot battles.

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