Five Takeaways from the Texans preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams (2024)

Aug 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tim Boyle (16) warms up before playing against the Los Angeles Rams at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

With C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills not suiting up on Saturday, Case Keenum and Tim Boyle were the lone signal callers for the Texans against the Los Angeles Rams.

Keenum, the incumbent depth quarterback, was challenged by journeyman Boyle, whom Houston signed to the practice squad in December.

If the Texans were to determine who the third quarterback would be solely based on Saturday’s performance, Boyle would have the title locked up. He completed 19 of 28 passes for 142 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Keenum, 36, had an uninspiring start with 32 yards while completing 50% of his passes. Twice, the veteran put the ball in harm’s way. The first occurred on Houston’s first offensive drive when Keenum missed a streaking John Metchie.

Later, Keenum left a pass too high for Xavier Hutchinson and hit a Rams’ defensive back in the chest.

Entering the game, Keenum had better numbers in nearly every category, including passing yards, touchdowns and completion percentage. He also knows the Texans system and has a good rapport with Stroud and Mills.

Aug 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Cam Akers (22) rushes against Los Angeles Rams linebacker Brennan Jackson (44) in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Even without his performance Saturday, Cam Akers had a strong case to be on the Texans active roster, but after watching him dice his former team Saturday, it’s clear he’s got enough juice to help Houston’s ground game.

Akers rushed for 53 yards on seven carries, adding another 19 yards receiving. He displayed strong vision and cutback ability, as he had throughout the preseason. Akers finished the four-game stretch with a team-leading 112 yards on 42 carries.

Houston took a flier on the 25-year-old running back when it signed him on July 21. Akers is coming off a torn left Achilles that he suffered in Week 9 with the Minnesota Vikings. It was the second time he had the injury, previously tearing it with the Rams in the 2021 offseason.

Akers looks to have enough spark out of the backfield to be a contributor for a team looking to improve its rushing attack. Once the season begins, he’s likely to be the third or fourth running back on the depth chart, depending on how many backs the Texans decide to keep.

After spending time in similar rushing attacks with Sean McVay in Los Angeles and Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota, Akers quickly grabbed Bobby Slowik’s system.

Aug 17, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) hands the ball of to running back Dameon Pierce (31) against the New York Giants in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans decided not to play third-year running back Dameon Pierce in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Rams.

The decision likely means Pierce will be on the team and begin the season as the backup to offseason acquisition Joe Mixon. Pierce had struggled in the previous two preseason games, gaining nine yards on eight attempts.

In Pierce’s defense, he’s never received much support from the offensive line and was constantly met in the backfield by opponents. However, it was the second year the former Florida star looked uncomfortable in Slowik’s system.

Pierce, who started last season has Hosuton’s lead back, lost his role to current New York Giant Devin Singletary after less than three yards per run. Houston is hoping Pierce can return to his rookie season form when he rushed for 939 yards in 13 games.

Aug 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III (8) runs with the ball as Los Angeles Rams safety Jason Taylor II (25) attempts to make a tackle during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston opted to sit Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, which was not surprising. The decision not to have Robert Woods suit up against the Rams came as a small surprise. The move likely means Woods will be a part of Houston’s active roster.

In action were Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie, Ben Skrownek, Steven Sims, and other wideouts fighting for roster spots.

Hutchinson led the way with four catches for 34 yards and a long of 18. For the preseason, Hutchinson totaled 12 receptions for 114 yards. On a roster full of smaller receivers like Dell, Metchie and Diggs, Hutchinson provides Houston with an outside option.

Metchie put up fewer numbers than he did a week ago, but each of his two catches impressed. The first resulted in Metchie displaying his after-catch ability, eluding a Rams linebacker to pick up a first down.

Noah Brown’s shoulder injury kept him out of the preseason. It may result in a spot on injured reserve to start the season, allowing Houston to hold onto another receiver temporarily.

Aug 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith (19) runs after the catch against the Houston Texans cornerback Myles Bryant (30) in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Pitre moved to nickel, taking up most of the headlines at the position, but quietly, Myles Bryant worked his way to earn a chance to be his backup.

On Saturday, the former New England Patriot and incumbent Desmond King played against the Los Angeles Rams to determine who would make the 53-man roster. Bryant put his best foot forward by leading the team in tackles (9) and recording a tackle for loss and fumble recovery.

Standing at only 5-foot-9, Bryant showcased a willingness to tackle, a much-needed trait for nickel backs in DeMeco Ryans’ system.

Before coming to Houston, Bryant spent four seasons in New England, where he totaled his best season a year ago with 77 tackles and seven pass deflections. Texans general manager Nick Caserio was in New England when the team signed Bryant as an undrafted free agent.

King doubles as a return man, but on Saturday, he fumbled a punt back to Los Angeles. He was a surprising cut last season, but it may be permanent if Houston lets King go this time.