Houston Texans

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Stefon Diggs are among the team's healthy starters that will play in the second preseason contest on Friday on the road against the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers. Stroud and the rest of the starting offense were held out of last week's Hall of Fame game against the Chicago Bears, but they'll get some action in the second preseason game. The 22-year-old Stroud and the rest of the starters that play on Friday will likely only play for a couple of drives, at the most, but it will give us our first look at his connection with new wideout Diggs in a game setting. Stroud's marvelous first NFL season in 2024 has vaulted him into midrange QB1 status in fantasy circles, especially after the addition of Diggs this offseason. Diggs, meanwhile, will see his fantasy stock fall in a new environment in which he'll have more competition for targets.

Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (undisclosed) missed Wednesday's practice and likely won't play in Friday's preseason game against the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Diggs sustained another undisclosed injury after having the wind knocked out of him on Tuesday at practice, but the issue is not expected to be a long-term problem. The 30-year-old All-Pro started hot in the first half of 2023 but took a steep downturn during the second half of the season as the alpha target with the Buffalo Bills, and he'll now share quarterback C.J. Stroud's targets with star wideouts Nico Collins and Tank Dell as well as safety valve Dalton Schultz in 2024. Diggs will have to overcome a likely drop in opportunity with efficiency to remain in WR1/2 conversations this fall, as he's unlikely to produce a fourth straight 100-catch season in his new digs.

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson led the team with five catches for 56 yards in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears. He started alongside John Metchie III, who, along with Hutchinson, was slotted in as the fifth and sixth wide receiver on Houston's depth chart last season. The snap counts indicate that Metchie is the current favorite, followed by Hutchinson. Metchie caught only one pass for 4 yards, suggesting Hutchinson may have narrowed the gap. Ben Skowronek was the third wide receiver, and Steven Sims also saw action. Skowronek and Sims continued into the second half, highlighting that Hutchinson and Metchie are clearly in contention for roster spots. Hutchinson stood out as the best wide receiver for Houston on Thursday night and is worth monitoring in fantasy leagues if a role opens up in the Texans' high-powered offense.

The Houston Texans' running back Cam Akers (Achilles) rushed five times for 13 yards and caught both his targets for 18 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears. He displayed quickness on a 14-yard reception that set up his touchdown catch. Akers is working to make a comeback with the Texans after suffering a torn Achilles tendon for the second time in three years, which cut his previous season short. Returning to the field just under nine months after the latest injury, which occurred in Week 9 of last season with the Vikings, is an impressive feat given the challenges of recovering from multiple Achilles tears. Akers is competing for the No. 3 running back spot with Dare Ogunbowale, rookie sixth-round pick Jawhar Jordan, and J.J. Taylor. None of these backs hold significant fantasy value unless Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce are injured.

Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale started and recorded 14 yards on three carries while catching two passes for 21 yards on two receptions in Thursday's Hall of Game against the Chicago Bears. Following him, J.J. Taylor gained 16 yards on six carries without involvement in the passing game. Both Ogunbowale and Taylor took the field ahead of Cam Akers, who has been with the team for only a week. As Akers continues to acclimate, he could move up the depth chart. The Texans' new starting running back, Joe Mixon (quad), is dealing with a soft tissue injury that has kept him out of practice. Even if he were fully healthy, Mixon wouldn't have played in the game, and there are no concerns about his readiness for the regular season. The Texans also rested backup halfback Dameon Pierce, which suggests the team considers him a strong candidate to keep his role as the primary backup. Ogunbowale will continue to battle Taylor and Akers this preseason for a roster spot. None have fantasy value without injuries to both Mixon and Pierce.