The Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers open their 2026 preseason Thursday night in Houston, with many of the biggest names expected to watch from the sidelines as both teams turn their attention toward younger players and roster battles.
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) watches quarterback Davis Mills (10) warm up before playing against the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
How to Watch Chargers vs Texans
- When: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: KCBS, KTRK
- Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Houston plans to sit C.J. Stroud and many of its established starters, making the opener an important evaluation night for the rest of the roster. The Texans are coming off a 12-5 season and another playoff appearance, and expectations remain high entering DeMeco Ryans’ fourth year as head coach. With Stroud out, the preseason opener should provide extended opportunities for Houston’s backups, rookies and players fighting for the final spots on a roster that hopes to contend in the AFC again this season.
– Live stream Chargers vs Texans with Fubo –
The Chargers are taking a similar approach, as Jim Harbaugh said roughly 15 veterans and starters will warm up but will not play against Houston. That group is expected to include Justin Herbert, shifting the focus toward Los Angeles’ depth and several competitions along the offensive line and elsewhere on the roster. Harbaugh plans to gradually increase the workload for his veterans later in the preseason, so Thursday’s game will primarily serve as an opportunity for younger Chargers to make their case for larger roles before the regular season arrives.
This is a great NFL football matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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