The Houston Texans wrap up their preseason on Saturday with a trip to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions, and the biggest question floating around is simple: Will the starters play?
The answer is likely no.
Houston Texans Starters Not Expected To Play Versus Detroit
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has already hinted that the team’s key players got their last bit of action during the preseason during practice earlier in the week.
Instead, the spotlight shifts to the players still fighting to make the roster. For them, this game is everything. Ryans even called it “huge” for those battling for spots.
“Guys have a chance to go out one last time and make an impact, show up, make the plays that can really spark interest, not only in the Texans, but also the other 31 teams,” Ryans said. “I want all our guys to shine and I want others to see how good of a roster we have, how much depth we have. We have a lot of guys who are worthy of making an NFL roster.”
It may not be the most exciting answer for Houston fans, but it makes sense. C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Jr., Nico Collins, and the rest of the starters have nothing to prove in August. The risk of injury outweighs any benefit of extra reps, especially for a team entering the season with real championship aspirations.
Expectations have never been higher as the Texans aim to win the AFC South for the third time in a row in 2025.
They finished 10-7 in 2024, defeated the Chargers handily in the Wild Card Round, but lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the Divisional Round. Stroud kept getting better as the season unfolded, but mistakes (12 interceptions) served as a reminder that progress is still necessary.
Expectations Remain High for Houston, But Can the Texans Remain Healthy?
This year’s roster may be even stronger.
Veteran running back Joe Mixon hopes to keep a steady presence in the backfield as long as he can overcome his foot and ankle issues, and Collins looks ready to build on his status as one of the best receivers in the league.
Not only that, the Texans also brought in Nick Chubb, who’s seeking a new chapter in his career after Cleveland decided to move onto younger players. In the event Mixon misses some time, Chubb brings a reliable resume to the table.
On defense, Anderson has already established himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars, and Houston’s unit continues to give the team a fighting chance against anyone.
4️⃣ STAY ON LOCK 🔒 pic.twitter.com/ae58OgQOBp
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 21, 2025
Of course, there are challenges ahead, tougher division rivals, a brutal schedule, and some questions along the offensive line. However, that hasn’t dampened the optimism around this Texans squad looking for another taste of postseason success.
