Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 19Texans Rest Starters for Raiders Preseason Game After Jayden Higgins Tears ACL
3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 19Summary
- Houston will sit its starters in Thursday night’s preseason game against Las Vegas, reversing DeMeco Ryans’ earlier plan to play the first unit.
- Tuesday’s joint practice changed that decision, with Ryans deciding the starters had already logged enough work before the 8 p.m. ET ESPN matchup.
- Jayden Higgins’ torn ACL in that session added to the shift in approach, sidelining the second-year receiver for the 2026 season.
- Higgins tied for the team lead with 6 touchdown catches as a rookie in 2025, making his loss an early setback for Houston’s offense.
Insights
How will the Texans reshape their passing attack after losing a projected star receiver before the 2026 season even begins? With joint practices causing devastating injuries like Higgins' ACL tear, are traditional preseason games actually the safer bet for NFL teams? As coaches increasingly favor joint practices over televised exhibitions, is the NFL's traditional preseason format on the verge of extinction?