Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud throws warm up passes during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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The Houston Texans wrapped up their fourth day of training camp Saturday, the first day fans were allowed to attend practice.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass to tight end Brevin Jordan (9) during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (4) leaps to make a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans safety Reed Blankenship (6) goes through a tackling drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Offense moving in right direction
Training camps under DeMeco Ryans have typically been dominated by one side in recent years.
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Often, that’s a sign that either the offense is going to struggle, the defense is going to be elite or both.
Rarely did the offense have good days during 2025 training camp, no matter how anyone tried to spin it.
But Saturday’s practice — the most competitive since training camp began last Wednesday — featured plenty of back-and-forth between the first-team offense and first-team defense.
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It started in dominant fashion for the defense after Danielle Hunter opened with a sack on the first play. Hunter got past left tackle Aireontae Ersery on a play-action pass, reaching C.J. Stroud before the quarterback had a chance to look downfield.
On the second play, Stroud handed off to David Montgomery, who was tackled for a loss by Hunter. The series ended with a coverage sack of Stroud.
It was a rough start for Ersery, who is entering his second season protecting Stroud’s blind side.
But the offense bounced back on the next series.
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The Texans had two positive runs by Woody Marks and Montgomery before Stroud threw a nice 15-yard pass to Dalton Schultz for a first down.
The series demonstrated the difference between this offense and last year’s. Last year, negative plays would start to pile up and things would spiral. This year, the offense’s confidence is noticeable.
It was a solid day for Stroud, who finished 6 of 12 in team drills with completions to Schultz and wide receivers Xavier Hutchinson, Jared Wayne, Jayden Higgins and Nico Collins.
What Stroud can get from his receivers and tight ends beyond Collins will be key this season.
Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. walks to the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans walks onto the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell jogs to the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans players jog onto the practice field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans players jog onto the practice field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans safety Reed Blankenship (6) goes through a tackling drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans safety Reed Blankenship (6) goes through a tackling drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans safety Kaevon Merriweather goes through a tackling drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans running back British Brooks (44) turns to make a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans running back British Brooks (44) turns up the field after a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (4) leaps to make a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans running back Woody Marks runs the ball during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud throws a pass during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans running back David Montgomery (32) runs the ball during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans running back David Montgomery (32) runs the ball during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans safety Jaylen Reed (23) leaps to make a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans safety Kaevon Merriweather (21) leaps to make a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram (20) leaps to make a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans tight end Foster Moreau (87) reaches out to make a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover (8) hauls in a catch on the goal line during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan (9) brings down a reception during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterbacks Davis Mills (10) and C.J. Stroud (7) throw passes during a drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receivers Nico Collins (12) and Lewis Bond (82) run drills during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterbacks C.J. Stroud (7) and Davis Mills (10) take shotgun snaps during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass to tight end Brevin Jordan (9) during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) turns to catch a pass during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive ends Danielle Hunter (55) and Will Anderson Jr. (51) work on handwork with defensive line coach Rod Wright during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) works on handwork with defensive line coach Rod Wright during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans linebackers Henry To’oto’o (39) and Jamal Hill (56) run a special teams drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram (20), safety Reed Blankenship (6) and wide receiver Josh Kelly (85) run a special teams drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans running backs Woody Marks, left, and British Brooks run a special teams drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans running backs Woody Marks, left, and British Brooks run a special teams drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans offensive linemen jog across the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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The underrated standouts
There were two turnovers on the day. Rookie safety Kamari Ramsey intercepted quarterback Davis Mills early in team drills after jumping a crossing route.
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Later, cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram intercepted quarterback Graham Mertz. Both were acrobatic catches.
Ramsey and Ingram have begun to stand out.
Other standouts included running back Jawhar Jordan, who broke off a couple of long runs. All three players are likely fighting for some of the final spots on the roster.
TRAINING DAY: What it’s like to watch training camp
Their performances Saturday will certainly give them an early advantage.
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Ryans was quick to temper expectations, though.
“It’s a lot of all-stars in shorts, and that happens a lot,” he said. “I don’t let anybody in shorts fool me. Football is played in pads. That’s where the evaluation process kicks up.
“When you put the pads on, you talk about blocking and run game, which plays are successful. You don’t have to have any guesswork when you put the pads on. You know who won a rep and who didn’t win a rep.”
Scary situation for Derek Stingley Jr.
Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. went down after colliding with linebacker Henry To’oTo’o during team drills. It was an ugly collision, and Stingley lay on the ground for several seconds while trainers checked on him.
Fortunately, Stingley, a two-time All-Pro, was able to walk off on his own and returned to team drills several minutes later.
Stingley dealt with a nagging oblique injury last season that often caused him to miss several series.
Houston Texans fans stand along a fence seeking autographs during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans linebacker Jamal Hill (56) signs autographs for fans during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans guard Keylan Rutledge (66) signs autographs for fans during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) autographs a football for a fan during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) signs autographs for fans during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans fans stand along a fence seeking autographs during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans fans stand along a fence seeking autographs during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (4) signs autographs for fans during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (81) poses for a photo as he signs autographs during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans linebacker Azeez al-Shaair (0) signs autographs for a group of young fans during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans fans stand along a fence seeking autographs during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud signs autographs for fans during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud signs autographs for fans during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud signs autographs for fans during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud signs autographs for fans during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud signs autographs for fans during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans fans wait just off the practice field seeking autographs during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud signs autographs for fans during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans fans cheer for handouts during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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The Gridiron Gang and Deep Steel Thunder perform for fans before the gates were opened for the Houston Texans first open practice during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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The Gridiron Gang and Deep Steel Thunder perform for fans before the gates were opened for the Houston Texans first open practice during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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The Houston Texans Deep Steel Thunder performs for fans before the gates open for the Texans first open workout for fans during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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The Houston Texans fans make their way in for the Texans first open workout for fans during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans Mariachi performs for Texans fans during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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The Houston Texans fans make their way in for the Texans first open workout for fans during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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The Houston Texans fans make their way in for the Texans first open workout for fans during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Houston Texans fans Claudia Brown, left, and Precious Hollins dance dance as they make their way into the first Texans public practice during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
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Injury updates
Jake Hansen missed practice for the second consecutive day after suffering what Ryans described as an ankle injury.
Ryans said Hansen will be week to week, which is better than the injury initially appeared.
Also missing from practice was linebacker Jake Hummel, further thinning the depth at linebacker.
Wide receiver Justin Watson also missed practice.
Safety M.J. Stewart remains on the physically unable to perform list, while Jaylin Noel is on the non-football injury list. Both players have been working off to the side.
Odd and ends
• Right tackle Trent Brown did a good job limiting Will Anderson Jr., who has typically wreaked havoc against the Texans’ offense. Hunter gave Brown a few problems, though.
• It will be interesting to see who wins the battle at right tackle between Brown and Braden Smith, who also has had success since returning from a neck injury.
• Center and guard Keylan Rutledge often plays through the whistle, and Ryans isn’t mad about it. He said he often shows film of Rutledge driving defenders back during team meetings. “Keylan is a S.W.A.R.M. player,” Ryans said. “I love it. I love to see an offensive lineman pushing guys downfield, still fighting to make sure he finishes. I love his mindset. That’s what it should be. He cares a lot.”