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Texans vs. Panthers: 10 bubble players to watch in preseason finale
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- Texans vs. Panthers: 10 bubble players to watch in preseason finale
Right now, the Houston Texans have likely 40 players locked down on roster spots entering Friday's preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers .
In fact, Texans Wire released its 41 projected "locks" to make the team ahead of Friday's game, largely because over three dozen players aren't even suiting up because they know their not going anywhere on Monday after roster cutdowns.
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For many players fighting for the dozen or so spots, a performance against the Panthers might be their final chance to make a good impression on the Texans to keep them around. And if not that, well, at least use it as an audition for potentially another franchise.
On Sunday, all 32 teams must cut their rosters down from 90 to 53. Who could be kept because of their performance at Bank of America Stadium? Here are our top 10 picks to watch for against the team from the NFC South.
Aug 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Jared Wayne (89) makes a reception for a touchdown as Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Avery Smith (36) defends during the third quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
(Troy Taormina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
WR Jared Wayne
There has been a more improved offensive player than Wayne in training camp. He had a big game against the Los Angeles Chargers and reportedly crushed the joint practice against the Panthers. So, what happens if he performs well on Friday? The Texans could keep six receivers and move Tank Dell to the injured reserve for the start of the season, thus opening a roster spot for the veteran practice squad member. But even if they do that, other pass-catchers are in the running for a roster spot, including Justin Watson and Sterling Shepard.
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A promising out for Wayne could go far in Houston's plan on deciding his fate.
Nov 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (17) runs for a gain against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
WR Sterling Shepard
He's so new that he's yet to catch a pass for the Texans. Shepard needs a strong night because he's trying to prove his best is still ahead, whether that's in Houston or elsewhere. A former second-round pick out of Oklahoma, Shepard is best known for his time with the New York Giants . He won't be that in Houston, but a similar style of play like the role he had with Baker Mayfield down in Tampa Bay could go far to retaining a roster spot.
Aug 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Solomon Byrd (50) reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
DE Solomon Byrd
About five days ago, Byrd would have been on the outside looking for a new roster. Now, the Texans have lost both Dylan Horton and Ali Gaye for likely the entire 2026 season, so he's got the best chance to retain a roster spot with a good game plan. This marks the third year for Bryd in Ryans' system. Much like Wayne, he's been a lifelong practice squad option, so it's now or never for him to prove the best is still to come.
Aug 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jake Hummel (33) and Houston Texans defensive end Solomon Byrd (50) attempt to tackle Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson (32) during the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
(Troy Taormina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
LB Jake Hummel
Hummel is a special-teams option first and a defender second. He looked great against the Chargers with two tackles for loss, but followed that up with a rocky outing against the Raiders. Even though the Texans need linebacker depth, the status of Jake Hansen and Wade Woodaz could have Hummel fighting for a roster spot with Jamal Hill. Which ever player offers more upside as a fifth linebacker likely is sticking around.
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Speaking of Hill.
Dec 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Damone Clark (31) and linebacker Jamal Hill (56) react after a play during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
LB Jamal Hill
Again, linebackers have to show their value tonight and Hill is no exception. He's entering his third season with Houston and mostly spends time on special teams. He's barely seen action during his time in Houston and given that rookie Aiden Fisher is cheaper and on a longer contract, this could be Hill's final game with a bad outing. Even if the Texans keep six linebackers, it's not a promised spot for the former Oregon star.
Jul 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans center Jarrett Patterson (54) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
OL Jarrett Patterson
Evan Brown can play multiple positions and probably has locked up not just a roster spot, but also a starting role going into Week 1. Patterson, who could be a trade chip for several teams, has been solid all camp. That doesn't mean he's safe from the chopping block. A strong night at either guard or tackle will go far.
Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrates the one point conversion with special teams Jarrett Patterson (54) and special teams Jake Andrews (60) agains the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
(Thomas Shea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
OL Jake Andrews
The exact things mentioned above with Patterson go for Andrews. The difference is that one can play all three interior line positions, while Andrews might be limited as a center. He needs to prove why there's a legit role for him moving forward other than his ties to New England.
Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) is pushed out of bounds by Houston Texans cornerback Ja'marcus Ingram (42) during the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
DB Ja'Marcus Ingram
Following the trade of Jaylen Reed, there's a safety spot open for Houston to add depth. This past week, Ingram began working in a safety role along with the nickel defender role, so the position flexibility he can bring should be considered a win for Houston's defense. He still need to perform up to the standard, however.
Aug 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (84) runs with the ball as Houston Texans cornerback Tremon Smith (11) attempts to make a tackle during the game at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
(Troy Taormina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
CB Tremon Smith
Smith did not look good to begin training camp or throughout the first two games, but given that undrafted free agent Collin Wright is out with an injury, he could lock down the final cornerback spot with a good game.
Jul 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) and linebacker Jamal Hill (56) and linebacker Aiden Fisher (59) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
LB Aiden Fisher
Nothing is promised for the Texans' final draft pick. He'll need to show more potential on defense than on special teams to make the squad, with names like Hill, Hansen and Hummel ahead of him.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans vs. Panthers: 10 bubble players to watch in preseason finale
