Texans vs. New York Giants | 5 Things to Watch

2) Maybe some Mixon? – Another notable name that was back on the practice fields this week was running back Joe Mixon. The veteran had been out since July, and third-year back Dameon Pierce started the first two preseason contests in his place.

Mixon’s eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in a season in four of the last six campaigns, and signed with Houston this March in free agency.

3) Stroud Time – Quarterback C.J. Stroud was on the field for six snaps in last week’s preseason win, and he made the most of it on his final play that evening in Pittsburgh, when he connected with Tank Dell for a 34-yard touchdown pass.

He’ll likely start again Saturday, and perhaps play a bit longer. Entering the second year of his NFL career, Stroud’s bond on the field with his pass-catchers continues to strengthen.

“He has built connections with not only me, but with all the receivers,” Dell said. “Him and Stefon [Diggs] have a good connection. Nico [Collins] of course has a good connection. I feel like when all of us get going, it is going to be great.

4) Debut of a Draft pick – Kamari Lassiter was also among the faces back at practice this week. Should he play, it would be his first game action as a professional.

The second-round pick out of Georgia, according to Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke, has shown the “aggressive mentality that we’re looking for” through his first few months in Houston.

“He’s all business-like and wants to work,” Burke said.

Lassiter has held his own against the Texans talented stable of pass catchers in practices. Fellow rookie defensive back Calen Bullock has flashed at safety in the preseason, forcing a fumble against the Bears, and ranging over to nearly intercept a deep pass last week versus the Steelers.

“He’ll continue to get better and that’s the exciting thing about Calen,” Ryans said. “He is still a young player and has a lot of room to grow but what he’s shown us already and the consistency at which he’s done it. I’m very excited to see him continue to flourish in our defense.”