The Houston Texans are preparing for their preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 20, facing challenges due to injuries within their roster. Wide receiver Jayden Higgins has been sidelined for the entire season after suffering a torn ACL, impacting the team's offensive dynamics, particularly for quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Despite these setbacks, Stroud is anticipated to take the field for a few series, with reports suggesting he may play as many as 25 plays. The Texans plan to start their first-string offensive line, while the first-team defense will not participate in the game.
With Higgins out, Stroud will rely on wide receiver Nico Collins, who had a strong previous season with 71 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns. Other receivers, including Tank Dell, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jaylin Noel, will also need to perform well in Higgins' absence.
Dell, who missed last season due to injury, had previously developed good chemistry with Stroud, while Noel was drafted shortly after Higgins and played alongside him at Iowa State.
As the Texans look to solidify their offensive strategy, the loss of key players poses a challenge as they prepare for the upcoming season.
