How to watch Texans vs. Vikings: Time, TV schedule for NFL preseason game
Rookie-Led Texans Kick Off Preseason Against McCarthy and the Vikings
The Houston Texans, armed with a bevy of new rookies including offensive tackle Tay Ersery and wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, will open their preseason Saturday afternoon against the Minnesota Vikings.
While Houston isn't planning on starting quarterback C.J. Stroud, former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy is expected to lead the Vikings offense. The Michigan product holds immense potential but missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus, allowing Sam Darnold to shine under Kevin O'Connell's offensive scheme.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that younger starters will see action in Saturday's game. This means we can expect Ersery (projected starting right tackle), Noel (battling for first-team reps in the slot), and Higgins (newcomer vying for playing time) to be on display.
"Everybody’s kind of on their own plan," Ryans stated. "We'll have a handful of guys who won't see time at all. Then we'll have a certain group of guys who are limited. So, it's just a lot of different guys in different categories there."
Despite the lighter playing time for starters like Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., fans can still anticipate plenty of action from these top names.
Where to Watch:
- TV Channel: NFL Network
- Streaming: NFL Network | Fubo (free trial)
Kickoff Time:
3 p.m. CT, Saturday, August 9th at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
The game marks the first meeting between former Kyle Shanahan assistants DeMeco Ryans and Kevin O'Connell. While Texans fans shouldn't expect to see many starters due to Ryans’ preference for joint practices with the Carolina Panthers later this week, there are still plenty of reasons to tune in as Houston’s young core takes the field.
Full Preseason Schedule:
- Saturday, August 9: at Minnesota Vikings
- Saturday, August 16: vs. Carolina Panthers
- Saturday, August 23: at Detroit Lions
Regular Season Schedule (Subject to change):
See full schedule provided in original text