The Houston Texans, headlined by a slew of new rookies, including Tay Ersery at offensive tackle and Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel at wide receiver, will close out their final dress rehearsal at Ford Field in a preseason finale on Saturday afternoon against the Detroit Lions.
Starters for the Lions are not projected to play after the team’s joint practice on Thursday. The Texans more than likely won’t play most starters since the season is rapidly approaching. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans mentioned that the younger starters would see action, meaning that Ersery, the projected starting left tackle, Noel, who’s fighting for first-team reps in the slot, and Higgins, the newest name on the outside, are expected to see action.
Several veterans could also play a drive or two just after missing time due to injury. This includes running back Dameon Pierce, linebacker Christian Harris and offensive tackle Cam Robinson, who could end up serving as the Texans’ starting swing tackle despite being one of the higher-paid players.
There is still plenty to watch for with C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Jr. and a swarm of other top names sitting on the outside. Perhaps the most important thing? Roster spots. At least 14 players are fighting for a shot to make the roster this season, and an impressive performance against the former No. 1 seed in the NFC could lead a sure-fire spot.
Here’s where to watch the Texans vs. Lions in Week 3 of the NFL preseason.
Stream Texans vs. Lions (free trial)
What TV channel is Texans vs. Panthers on?
- TV channel: ESPN +, ABC 13 Houston
- Streaming: ESPN+ | Fubo (free trial)
The Texans and Panthers will air live on ESPN+, but it will also air locally on ABC 13 in Houston at Noon. For the Texans, don’t expect to see C.J. Stroud, Nick Chubb, Danielle Hunter, Nico Collins or others on the field in Detroit for the finale.
Additionally, out-of-market fans can stream the game live on ESPN+.
Texans vs. Lions start time
- Date: Saturday, August 23
- Time: Noon CT
Kickoff for the Texans’ preseason opener against the Lions is scheduled for Noon CT, as the two sides gather at Ford Field for the showdown between former players. Do not expect many of the Texans’ starters to get reps in this one, since DeMeco Ryans usually prefers to have his starters see reps in the joint practices that began on Thursday in Allen Park following the team’s arrival.
Streaming options for the game include the NFL Network and Fubo, which offers a free trial.
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Texans preseason schedule 2025
Below is Houston’s preseason schedule.
- Saturday, August 9: at Minnesota Vikings– L 20-10
- Saturday, August 16: vs. Carolina Panthers – W 20-3
- Saturday, August 23: at Detroit Lions
Texans’ regular-season schedule 2025
Below is Houston’s regular-season schedule.
Week 1: Sunday, September 7, 3:45 p.m. CT: at Los Angeles Rams
Week 2: Monday, September 15, 6 p.m. CT: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (MNF)
Week 3: Sunday, September 21, Noon CT: at Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 4: Sunday, September 28, Noon CT: vs. Tennessee Titans
Week 5: Sunday, October 5, Noon CT: at Baltimore Ravens
Week 6: Sunday, October 12: Bye Week
Week 7: Monday, October 20, 9 p.m. CT: at Seattle Seahawks (MNF)
Week 8: Sunday, October 26, Noon CT: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week 9: Sunday, November 2, Noon CT: vs. Denver Broncos
Week 10: Sunday, November 9, Noon CT: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 11: Sunday, November 16, Noon CT: at Tennessee Titans
Week 12: Thursday, November 20, 7:20 p.m. CT: vs. Buffalo Bills
Week 13: Sunday, November 30, Noon CT: at Indianapolis Colts
Week 14: Sunday, December 7, 7:20 p.m. CT: at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 15: Sunday, December 14, Noon CT: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week 16: Sunday, December 21 at 3:20 p.m. CT: vs.Las Vegas Raiders
Week 17: TBD: at Los Angeles Chargers
Week 18:TBD: vs. Indianapolis Colts
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Where to watch Texans vs. Lions today: TV channel, live stream
