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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Dave Kluge, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 1
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The Texans enter 2026 with one goal: get C.J. Stroud looking more consistent after an up-and-down 2025 season that saw him lose control of the football too often down the stretch. HC DeMeco Ryans noted: "What I'm seeing show up is just a guy who's confident in what he's doing." Stroud has looked more composed and natural in his movements so far — most importantly, he is taking care of the ball better, with no fumbles through camp. On the backup side, Davis Mills hasn't had the greatest camp, throwing a couple of interceptions, but he's doing enough to stay ahead of Graham Mertz, who is struggling with overthrows and bad picks.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The Texans acquired David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions this offseason for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick; a meaningful investment. Montgomery has responded by getting into "the best shape of his life" (we know, we know) and is having a solid camp as he looks to be the undisputed top back this season. Texans insider Aaron Wilson notes that Montgomery is making an impact both in the locker room and on the field, and "while Woody Marks will still have a good role, including catching passes, some carries and on kickoff returns, Montgomery is the primary running back and the centerpiece of a revamped running game." Marks, the second-year back, is having a solid camp with several double-digit yardage runs and flashing in the passing game. This group is not yet solidified, however. Third-year back Jawhar Jordan is having a breakout camp after a 2025 season in which he recorded his first regular-season start and his first 100-yard game in Week 15.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
It's Jayden Higgins' world, and we're all living in it. Not only is Higgins the star of Texans training camp, but the second-year wide receiver might be the star of all training camps across the league right now. Higgins has scored multiple touchdowns, and fellow receiver Nico Collins went so far as to call him a "future face of the franchise," which can only bode well. Higgins has looked impressive catching both short and deep balls from all three quarterbacks. Collins, meanwhile, has had a quiet camp. Nothing alarming, but the emergence of Higgins as a major deep threat appears to be blunting his opportunities somewhat. Among the other starters, both Jaylin Noel and Tank Dell have made headlines. Noel started camp on the PUP list with a non-football injury, but coaches stressed it was nothing serious, and he is out there and ready for a strong second season. Dell is the real story. Many thought he would never play again following his gruesome 2024 dislocated knee that required multiple surgeries. He was recently activated and has shown flashes of the receiver many thought could be a top-15 fantasy option in his rookie year. Ryans noted how explosive Dell looked and how good it was to have him back, while stressing the team is still not rushing him.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Dalton Schultz helms this tight end room, and nothing looks close to changing through two weeks of camp. Schultz is having a fine, if unspectacular, camp. New addition Foster Moreau arrived in free agency and called Stroud's arm talent "exceptional, some of the best I've been able to play with." Moreau figures to play a blocking role while also contributing as a receiver. On the outside looking in is veteran Brevin Jordan, who has missed back-to-back seasons with knee injuries. Jordan had a strong OTAs and minicamp but has missed several camp practices and could be on the chopping block.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The Texans' defense is coming off what may be its most complete season yet, ranking first in total yards allowed per game, second in overall team defense, and third in turnovers forced. The standard in Houston has risen to elite, with DC Matt Burke stating plainly: "We are chasing perfection defensively." The defensive line figures to be dominant again, and Danielle Hunter has largely held his own going up against first-round guard Keylan Rutledge. The Texans also signed veteran Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal. In the secondary, the defensive backs have feasted on Texans quarterbacks, forcing numerous incompletions and several interceptions from Stroud, Mertz, and Mills alike. Undrafted rookie cornerback Collin Wright has stood out with an interception of Stroud and drawn praise from All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr.
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