/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47071344/usa-today-8769341.0.jpg)
The Texans wrap up the preseason this Thursday against their in-state rivals up in Dallas. The starters are not expected to get much if any action in this one, but luckily for us that means we get to see even more of Tom Savage, Kevin Johnson, and Jaelen Strong. The Cowboys themselves are also in evaluation mode on a few of their younger backups, most notably defensive end Randy Gregory. Gregory has been a force thus far during the preseason, and I’m willing to bet that he makes life a living hell for whatever unfortunate third-stringers Houston lines up against him. Here are a couple quick story lines to keep your eye on this week, as well as when, where, and how to watch the game.
Andre Hal vs. Eddie Pleasant
Hal and Pleasant are still locked up in a battle for the starting left safety spot despite having decidedly different playing styles. Pleasant is more of your traditional strong safety who charges hard downhill to the point of attack and lays as big of a hit as he can, while Hal is more of a coverage specialist that can also double as a slot cornerback. Hal certainly does not bring as much power to his tackles as Pleasant, but I think his versatility might be just enough to secure him that starting nod by the time Week One rolls around. Who knows, perhaps Romeo Crennel will continue to rotate between the two of them week-to-week depending on who the opponent is a given game.
How does Chris Clark look?
The Texans acquired Broncos offensive tackle Chris Clark just a few days ago to add some much needed depth to the offensive line. Pretty much every tackle on the roster not named Duane Brown and Derek Newton has struggled mightily at times this preseason, so having at least a little bit of a veteran safety net in Clark is a huge relief. That being said, Clark is joining a brand new offense that he has no experience in, and his first game will be against a top five rookie talent in Randy Gregory. Who says an eight-year vet can’t still have a trial by fire, eh?
Game Information
Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas).
Game time: Thursday, September 3 at 7:00 PM CDT.
TV channel: ABC (Do I get the game?).
Online streaming: NFL Game Pass.
Radio: SportsRadio 610.
Enemy blog: Blogging The Boys.
Twitter: @BattleRedBlog.
Facebook: Go ahead and give us a like!
2015 Texans Preseason Schedule
Week 1: vs. San Francisco 49ers - Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 PM CDT (ABC).
Week 2: vs. Denver Broncos – Saturday, August 22 at 7:00 PM CDT (ABC).
Week 3: @ New Orleans Saints – Sunday, August 30 at 3:00 PM CDT (FOX).
Week 4: @ Dallas Cowboys – Thursday, September 3 at 7:00 PM CDT (ABC).
Texans vs Cowboys coverage