The 11 Players to Watch During the Preseason Opener Against the Chargers
It's an off day for some, but plenty are in the fight to make the roster
The Houston Texans will play their first preseason game this evening as they host the Los Angeles Chargers. If the Texans hold to how they have operated the past few seasons, many starters will observe the game in sweats while they sit out.
While starters don’t need this game, plenty of roster hopefuls can strengthen their case with a good performance. DeMeco Ryans made it clear what he’s looking for in the preseason opener.
“Guys playing fast, playing relentless and finishing. That’s what I want to see. Then also, when we dive into the fine details of it, who can you count on to execute? When the lights are on, in game time, are guys going to be consistent and are they going to take the same approach they’ve been taking over the past several weeks of how we’ve been prepping the guys, how they’ve been working. Can they go out and perform under the lights, under a little bit more stress, how do guys operate at a high level? That’s what I’m looking for.”
-DeMeco Ryans
Here are 11 players to watch closely during the preseason game.
Center/Guard Keylan Rutledge #66
The top pick for the Texans should play in this game. He is still learning the center position, and this will be his first chance to snap the ball against an opponent. Rutledge has been as advertised, showcasing his nastiness, athleticism, and agility. Hopefully, playing in this game, Rutledge keeps his aggression in check and doesn’t have it spill into a spot where it hurts the team on the field. That’s something DeMeco Ryans has been clear about regarding the scraps Rutledge has been part of during camp.
Cornerback Collin Wright #37
Wright has been around the ball constantly in training camp. If he isn’t intercepting the passes, he’s batting them down. It’s been quite the rise for the undrafted free agent out of Stanford. He hasn’t faced premium wide receivers much, but this is another box to check in his quest to surprise everyone and steal a roster spot.
Tight End Marlin Klein #83
Klein has had some nice receiving moments in training camp. He’s scored a couple of touchdowns over the last few workouts. The blocking hasn’t stood out, but this game presents an opportunity for him to display all elements of his ability. Get Klein on the field with Cade Stover and let’s see the duo display some of the parts of the playbook that depth at tight end has opened up.
Defensive Tackle Kayden McDonald #93
McDonald hasn’t been disappointing, but he hasn’t been amazing in training camp. His skills should translate better to a situation like a preseason game. The Texans have plenty of veteran defensive tackles, so they don’t need McDonald to be awesome right away, but they wouldn’t turn down McDonald stuffing runs and ruining plays from the interior.
Wide Receiver Lewis Bond #82
Bond has flashed in training camp with some tough catches over the middle. He isn’t making plays every day, but he’s making enough to stay on the radar. This preseason game should present plenty of opportunities for him. He should be the top slot receiver when this game kicks off, and playing into the second half isn’t out of the question. I’d also like to see Bond return some punts to see if that is a tool he has in his toolbelt.
Linebacker Wade Woodaz #30
Woodaz has a chance to be the top linebacker behind Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o. Linebackers have some of the most potential to catch a coach’s eye in preseason games. They call the defense, have to cover in the pass game, and can go and attack basic rushing plays. It’s a buffet of opportunity. Woodaz’s special teams usefulness should be on display as well.
Running Back Noah Whittington #26
Whittington showed up before Jawhar Jordan’s injury, but he’s really taken off since Jordan has missed time. This is a game tailor-made to showcase what Whittington can do. He has displayed patience in the run game and vision to follow blocks. A big showing here could put pressure on Jordan for the third running back spot.
Safety Kamari Ramsey #27
Ramsey has done nothing bad in camp, but it has been a few days since he has stood out. With key members of the secondary expected to be sitting, Ramsey should see plenty of playing time. If Ramsey can do his best Calen Bullock impersonation in this game, that would be a great thing to see.
Wide Receiver Daniel Sobkowicz #17
Sobkowicz has done little in camp. A good showing in a preseason game might be just what he needs. The slow start probably put him in danger of missing out on a shot at the practice squad, but there is time to work his way back into consideration. This is a crowded wide receiver room with plenty of potential practice squad players.
Guard Febechi Nwaiwu #64
Nwaiwu is going to make the roster. His goal in training camp is to create confidence that if he is one snap away, there isn’t a massive drop-off in production. Nwaiwu has teamed up with some tackles to bulldoze defenders in camp. It would be great to see him handle his business in the preseason game.
Punter Kai Kroeger #38
Kroeger had his best day punting during Tuesday’s practice. He’s been shaky during camp, despite outlasting Jack Stonehouse to be the team’s lone punter. Kroeger must be consistent for the rest of the way to avoid being supplanted by a veteran after cutdown day. Rattling off back-to-back solid days punting would be a good start to keeping his job.
