Texans Vs. 49ers: Houston Sitting Star WR in Preseason Finale?
HOUSTON -- Who is in and who is out for the Houston Texans in their Thursday night preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers? Most starters will play, but some will remain on the sidelines.
Receiver Brandin Cooks, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and offensive lineman Justin Britt are expected to be healthy scratches, according to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson. Other Texans not expected to suit up due to injury include tight end Antony Auclair (knee), linebacker Christian Harris (hamstring), linebacker Garret Wallow (ankle), cornerback Tavierre Thomas (quadriceps), kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (leg), defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (biceps) and defensive tackle Ross Blacklock.
Blacklock, a second-round pick out of TCU in 2020, has been the subject of trade rumors over the past two weeks. Houston moved him down the depth chart after the emergence of second-year defensive tackle Roy Lopez last season.
In two seasons with the Texans, Blacklock has tallied 39 total tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks in 29 games.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins and defensive end Jerry Hughes both are expected to make their preseason debut Thursday. Collins, who returned to Houston on a two-year, $17 million deal, is the projected starter at defensive tackle opposite Lopez. Hughes, who signed a one-year deal this offseason, is expected to see the early reps opposite third-year breakout star Jonathan Greenard.
Last week in the Texans’ preseason 24-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams, Greenard totaled three pressures, a tackle for loss and a sack. Texans coach Lovie Smith is expecting a monumental year from the pass-rusher with another season in his system.
Rookie running back Dameon Pierce is expected to see "an extensive amount of carries” throughout the first half. Drafted in the fourth round out of Florida, Pierce has been one of Houston’s biggest breakout stars in training camp.
Last week, Smith elected to hold out Pierce after a promising debut in Week 1. Against the New Orleans Saints, Pierce averaged 9.8 yards per rush attempt on the way to a 17-13 win.
“We’ve seen everything you need to see from a good running back,” Smith said of Pierce Tuesday. “He can catch the ball. He can run in between tackles. He’ll make you miss in the open field. Pads down low, there’s a lot of things to like about Dameon.”
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