{"id":410102,"date":"2026-08-18T20:06:08","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T20:06:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/410102\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T20:06:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T20:06:08","slug":"how-did-houston-texans-look-in-joint-practice-with-raiders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/410102\/","title":{"rendered":"How did Houston Texans look in joint practice with Raiders?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Texans<\/p>\n

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a strong showing in Tuesday’s joint practice against the Raiders. The teams play a preseason game Thursday night at Reliant Stadium,<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n

After 14 consecutive practices between the Houston Texans<\/a>\u2019 offense and defense, there was finally another opponent. The Texans hosted the Las Vegas Raiders for a joint practice Tuesday at Houston Methodist Training Facility, two days before their second preseason game.<\/p>\n

Coach DeMeco Ryans wasn\u2019t pleased with how his team performed against the Chargers<\/a> in last week\u2019s preseason game. That changed Tuesday against the Raiders.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There was both good, and things the Texans can learn from, but overall it was a positive day for a team hoping to get to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

Here were seven takeaways from the practice:<\/p>\n

Running game has its best day<\/p>\n

Throughout the first 14 practices, the Texans\u2019 running game hasn\u2019t had a ton of success against its defense.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But perhaps that\u2019s because they are facing one of the top defenses in the league.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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The outcome was much different Tuesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

David Montgomery found holes in the Raiders’ defense and often exploited them. He had two runs of\u00a010-plus yards and several more than went for 4 or more yards.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The offensive line played a big part in opening those holes but Montgomery was shifty, and when he did meet a defender, he made sure to lower his head for contact.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While Woody Marks didn\u2019t have any of 10 yards or more, he did have several nice runs, and caught a touchdown pass against the Raiders’ first-team defense.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI really liked the way we ran the football,\u201d Ryans said. \u201cWe stuck well onto our blocks, we finished well, our running backs, they were the highlight of the day for me. The way they ran the ball, physical, low pad level, really finishing runs. They did a really nice job.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, left, talks to Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n

C.J. Stroud and his receivers have success<\/p>\n

Stroud had arguably one of his better practices Tuesday. He was efficient, and hit the right receivers on time. He didn\u2019t look flustered, either.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Stroud was, however, sacked three times \u2014 twice by Maxx Crosby. And his final throw was intercepted by linebacker Quay Walker while trying to hit Woody Marks on a wheel route.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But outside of that, Stroud had a good day.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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He hit Nico Collins on several plays over the middle, a few to Xavier Hutchinson and threw two touchdowns, including one to Marks and one to tight end Dalton Schultz \u2014 both of which happened inside the red zone.\u00a0<\/p>\n

By my unofficial count, Stroud was 11-of-13 for 128 yards, two touchdowns and one interception on the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) and offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery (79) jog out to the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud receives a bracelet from a fan while signing autographs during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back to pass during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oto\u2019o, left, and wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) talk after practice during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oto\u2019o, left, runs a drill with linebacker Aiden Fisher (59) during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oto\u2019o, runs a drill with linebacker Jake Hummel (33) during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans linebacker Aiden Fisher (59) knocks a ball loose from linebacker Jamal Hill (56) during a drill at an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans offensive linemen Jarrett Kingston (63), Keylan Rutledge (66), James Neal III (70) and Braden Smith (71) run drills during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans player warm up during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Las<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders tackle Charles Grant (6) runs a drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Las<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders Malik Benson (19) runs a drill during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans talks to a pair of referees during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Las<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) grabs a drink of water during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, left, talks to Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Former<\/p>\n

Former Houston Chronicle sports writer John McClain, left, talks to former Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak as they watch practice during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Las<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Brandon Johnson (82) makes a catch during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Las<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws the ball during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Las<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Las<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty runs the ball during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. jogs onto the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks runs with the ball during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) makes his way to the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Las<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza throws the ball during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Las<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza hands the ball off to running back Mike Washington Jr. during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Las<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby warms up during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Las<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV high fives fans on his way to the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans running back Noah Whittington jogs out to the field during an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud signs an autograph during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud stops to take a photo with a fan while signing autographs during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud signs autographs during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oto’o signs autographs during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (93) carries a couple sets of veteran pads after an NFL training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans fans wait along a fence line seeking autographs during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans safety Reed Blankenship (6) poses for a photo while signing autographs during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Fans<\/p>\n

Fans wait along a fence line as Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills signs autographs during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans CEO Cal McNair, left, cooks hamburgers with former Texans defensive lineman Travis Johnson during the annual Cal\u2019s Cookout for fans at an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Hannah<\/p>\n

Hannah McNair hands out ice cream to Houston Texans fans during the annual Cal\u2019s Cookout during an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Fan<\/p>\n

Fan wait in line for lunch during the annual Cal\u2019s Cookout at an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle\"Houston<\/p>\n

Houston Texans CEO Cal McNair, center, cooks hamburgers with sports radio personality Sean Pendergast during the annual Cal\u2019s Cookout at an NFL training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brett Coomer\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n

Jayden Higgins\u2019 injury<\/p>\n

Higgins suffered a leg injury midway through team drills<\/a>. He tumbled in the back of the end zone, and grabbed at his leg. It\u2019s unclear whether contact was involved.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Several players, including Stroud, Collins and Hutchinson, came over to check on Higgins, who was also looked at by trainers. A cart came out to transport him, but Higgins got up on his own power.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ryans did not have an immediate update after practice, only calling it a leg injury. He said they will continue to evaluate his status.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Higgins has had a good camp through the first three weeks. He figures to be a major part in this offense this season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Defensive pressure gets to Raiders<\/p>\n

Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter and Jadeveon Clowney each had sacks of Kirk Cousins and rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The pressure was clearly a problem for the Raiders, who couldn\u2019t get much going in the running game, either.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hunter also had a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage. It was a good day for Houston\u2019s edge rushers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Explosives from Brock Bowers<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t all bad for the Raiders, however. Cousins and\u00a0Mendoza mostly connected on short passes. But they also had success in throwing deep to All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, who was a problem for Houston\u2019s linebackers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bowers caught a touchdown and had multiple 15-yard receptions for first down.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Most of the Raiders\u2019 offensive drives ended in field goals, but Bowers definitely had his way.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Two pick-sixes<\/p>\n

The Texans’ two takeaways came on interceptions. Nickel corner\u00a0Jalen Pitre jumped a Mendoza pass and took one to the house for a 75-yard touchdown.\u00a0<\/p>\n

And Kamari Lassiter intercepted Cousins on the final play of the day for a pick-six as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Texans were one of the best teams at taking the ball away in 2025, and hope to do so again this season. There should be opportunities, especially for Lassiter, as teams continually look away from All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.<\/p>\n

Standouts of the day<\/p>\n

There were three standouts who stood above the others Tuesday: David Montgomery, Lewis Bond and the Texans edge rushers.<\/p>\n

Montgomery had multiple explosive runs Tuesday, and played with a physicality the Raiders couldn\u2019t keep up with.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bond, the Texans’ sixth-round rookie, played mostly with the second-team offense, and picked the Raiders\u2019 second team apart. He had two touchdowns inside the red zone.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He’s made plays throughout camp. And it’s hard to imagine him not making a contribution this season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

And the Texans\u2019 edge rushers got constant pressure on the quarterbacks, as they\u2019ve done all camp against Stroud and Mills.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Odds and ends<\/p>\n

Crosby is known for getting into it with other players. He got into a brief shoving match with rookie offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge. The shoving match was quickly broken up. But there were no other fights in practice.\u00a0
\nTexans receiver Tank Dell did not participate in practice. This was his second consecutive practice he missed. Meanwhile, fellow wideout\u00a0Jaylin Noel, who is dealing with a hamstring injury and a broken finger, returned to practice after missing the past two weeks.
\nDavis Mills\u2019 lone interception also came on the final drive of practice.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a strong showing in Tuesday’s joint practice against the Raiders. The teams play…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":410103,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[56,58,57],"class_list":["post-410102","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-houston","tag-houston","tag-houston-headlines","tag-houston-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/410102","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=410102"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/410102\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/410103"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=410102"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=410102"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=410102"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}