With a game under their belt, the Houston Texans have updated their depth chart on both sides heading into Tuesday's joint practice against the Las Vegas Raiders. For the most part, it looks the same. The offensive line features the projected four starters in Aireontae Ersery, Wyatt Teller, Ed Ingram and Keylan Ruteldge. But once again, the Texans have the right tackle spot listed as Braden Smith or Trent Brown. This is the second day that both tackles have made the list despite Smith seeing a majority of first-team reps. Brown started seven games for Houston last year at right tackle after beginning the year on the injured reserve. Though he wasn't perfect, there was potential with the veteran right tackle locking down the book end side opposite Ersery. "He got a real vet presence. I always make a joke and call him master sensei because he always stands like this, with his hands behind his back," Ersery said. "But, good guy, good vet to be around and I'm glad that he's here.” But Houston still felt like it needed an upgrade, which is why it was aggressive in landing Smith on a two-year deal. The former rival spent eight seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and eventually became one of the staples on the revamped offensive line. Smith started 13 games at right tackle in 2025 before missing the rest of the season with an injury. Over the past four seasons, he's missed at least two games per season.
Texans unofficial depth chart ahead of week 2 of preseason vs Raiders. RT BATTLE: Trent Brown or Braden Smith pic.twitter.com/akKRGl5A32 — Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelV) August 18, 2026 Defensively, there are zero changes from the projected starting role. Second-round pick Kayden McDonald, who is expected to be a factor in the rotation, was listed with the second-team defense. For the first time since 2024, there's legitimate depth behind Jalen Pitre at the nickel position. Both Allijah Huzzie and Brandon Codrington are listed as depth behind him. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT this Thursday at Reliant Stadium. The game will be locally televised on ABC. This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans reveal season depth chart projections of joint practice vs. Raiders