3 Biggest Things to Watch in Texans' Preseason Opener vs. Chargers

The Houston Texans kick off their first of three preseason games before the 2026 campaign at home on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers.

It's a long-awaited return to the field for the Texans, as this will be the team's first time back in a live NFL game since their playoff exit against the New England Patriots back in January. And now, they get to start fresh in what could be an even better season from the one they're fresh off.

In their first preseason game against the Chargers, though, there will be a few storylines to keep an eye on as it relates to the Texans; some that can offer hints as to how the depth chart and 53-man roster could look come time for Week 1 after two weeks of training camp are now in the books.

Here are three of the biggest factors to be watchful of for the Texans in their Thursday night game against the Chargers:

1. Who Plays Where on the Offensive Line–– And Who Doesn't Play

Jul 31, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans center Keylan Rutledge (66) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Texans' offensive line will look a little bit different heading into Week 1 of the regular season compared to how they wound up at the tail end of last year. And as preseason begins, we'll be able to land a first look at how we could expect this depth chart to be looking at the start of the 2026 campaign.

How will the Texans determine their first five starters? Will they hold out some of their expected starters to keep them fresh for closer to the season? How will rookies like Keylan Rutledge and Febechi Nwaiwu perform, and how much will Houston decide to play them? If the Texans are primarily running second and third-team offensive lines, who's lining up where and getting the most reps?

There's a ton of questions to be had for the Texans on their offensive line heading into the season, which is why it’s my number one factor to keep watch of as Houston begins preseason.

2. How Training Camp Stars Like Lewis Bond & Collin Wright Perform

Jul 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Lewis Bond (82) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The first two weeks of the Texans' training camp has seen a couple of frequent highlight playmakers emerge as those who could make a run to the 53-man roster before Week 1 kicks off: wide receiver Lewis Bond and Collin Wright have probably been the two surprise performers hearing their names the most since Houston's been back on the field.

But now is the next step in their process to make noise on the 53-man roster: a live game against another team where both of them will be likely to get a high amount of snaps, given the circumstances.

It's a largely different scenario from what either of them has faced throughout their first steps in the league in practice and camp sessions. But a big performance from either would make their stock look even better heading into the season.

3. Can Kai Kroeger Prove Himself as Houston's Starting Punter?

Jul 31, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans punter Kai Kroeger (38) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A huge question mark that's been in play throughout the Texans' first two weeks of camp: who will come out as the team's starting punter to start the season? And so far, there still hasn't been an exact verdict.

Kai Kroeger currently stands as the only punter on the roster after UDFA Jack Stonehouse was cut, but that doesn't mean Houston won't go out and sign another name to the 90-man roster for these next two preseason games, in the event that Kroeger struggles here against the Chargers.

That's what makes this game so important for Kroeger to take advantage of. If he can put together a big performance with consistent, positive punts when he's on the field, that can bolster his chances to make the 53-man roster in a big way. If he falls short, the conversation can easily shift in another direction.

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