The Houston Texans had their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers last week. Despite the loss, there are a few things that you can be excited about, and one of them is rookie tight end Marlin Klein.
As soon as the game started, quarterback Davis Mills delivered a strike to Klein for a 31-yard gain, and that play alone was enough to get everyone excited for the future.
OKAY MARLIN‼️
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 14, 2026
📺: @abc13houstonpic.twitter.com/tJ7JZBbIZt
It makes sense why he did not play very much, because he will be a pretty big part of what they are trying to do on offense, but the few plays he did have, he made a difference.
The Texans need someone who is a willing blocker, and can make an impact in their rushing attack, and Klein looked very solid in that department as well.
Impressive run blocking work by rookie Marlin Klein (#83). Here are three clips.
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) August 14, 2026
He consistently uses inside hand strikes, rolls his hips under his hands and continues to ride the bull against much bigger opponents with grip strength and strain as he finishes all blocks. pic.twitter.com/tJRwpRlu8T
Klein is clearly behind their starting tight end Dalton Schultz, but he will be on the field this season, and he brings a different level of juice to that group.
Their defense is good enough to carry the team for most of the year, but even they need some support, and the Texans offense looks like it will be in a much better situation, which is far better than in 2025.