The score of the preseason doesn't matter to most teams.
Oftentimes, head coaches hope to come away impressed with several up-and-coming standouts for the roster, building on their success in training camp.
So, while the Houston Texans would love to have won over the Los Angeles Chargers, the bigger victory comes with strong play during Thursday's game at Reliant Stadium from rookie tight end Marlin Klein and defensive back Kamari Ramsey.
Klein, the Texans' second-round pick out of Michigan, hauled in a 31-yard reception on Houston's first drive in a 27-7 loss, helping set up the lone scoring drive. As a question mark entering the year after a mixed career in Ann Arbor, the German-born pass-catcher who moved to the United States at 16 gave Texans fans hope the best is on the horizon.
DeMeco Ryans on Marlin Klein:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) August 14, 2026
“Thought he really shined today. Everybody saw the pass that he caught. It’s where I see him where he can excel for our offense, just open the offense up for us. His catch radius is just— it’s tough to guard him. He defintley has the speed as well… pic.twitter.com/qMGDZvAAwt
“I thought he really shined today,” Ryans said of the second-round draft pick. “Everybody saw the pass that he caught. It’s where I see him where he can excel for our offense and just open the offense. His catch radius is tough to guard it.”
Davis Mills was at the end of the pass and impressed to begin the game. Not only did he connect with Klein, but the longtime No. 2 also found veteran receiver Jared Wayne for a 7-yard touchdown to give Houston the early 7-3 lead.
That was supposed to be the end of Mills' day, but plans changed after No. 3 quarterback Graham Mertz left during the second quarter with a non-contact knee injury. Mills finished the game going 9 of 15 for 82 yards and the score.
He also coughed up a fumble in the third quarter resulting in a Los Angeles touchdown.
Ramsey, a fifth-round pick out of USC, also was impactful in coverage. After nearly intercepting former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance in the second quarter, Ramsey jumped a pass intended for rookie wideout Brenen Thompson and secured his first return of 48 yards.
Lance finished 12 of 20 for 164 yards, along with the pick. Chargers running back Amar Johnson totaled two touchdowns and had a 55-yard reception in the third quarter to set up the second score.
OKAY MARLIN‼️
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 14, 2026
📺: @abc13houstonpic.twitter.com/tJ7JZBbIZt
Several other Texans rookies impressed, including offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge, linebacker Wade Woodaz, running back Noah Whittington, wide receiver Lewis Bond, cornerback Collin Wright and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. Whittington led the Texans' run game with 40 yards. Bond caught two passes for 16 yards.
Meanwhile, Woodaz and Wright each recorded a pass breakup and two tackles. Fellow rookie linebacker Aidan Fisher led Houston with seven tackles.
The Texans return next week to face off against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Recap: Marlin Klein shines in debut, Texans squander scoring chances in loss to Chargers