Stroud Set to Play Briefly vs. Raiders

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is anticipated to participate in approximately 20 to 25 snaps during Thursday's preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. This brief appearance marks his first live NFL game action since the team's playoff exit in January. Joining Stroud will be the entire first-team offensive line, featuring rookie Keylan Rutledge, and second-year running back Woody Marks.

Despite this inclusion, the Texans will still rest their defensive starters and several key offensive veterans, including Nico Collins, David Montgomery, and Dalton Schultz. This strategic decision follows joint practice sessions with the Raiders, prompting Houston to adjust its original plan of resting all healthy starters. The team aims for a more in-depth evaluation of its key offensive players in this second preseason game.

Previously, the Texans employed a similar approach last preseason, with Stroud playing in the second game. In that contest, he saw action in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers. This year, Houston appears keen on giving their starting offensive line more experience, as they only played one drive in the previous game. They are expected to play two to three drives against the Raiders before backups take over.