.jpg "HCPH-Riverside-0708-1870×125-Spa (1)")
The Houston Texans opened their 2026 preseason with a 27-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night. Houston scored its only touchdown in the first quarter before Los Angeles recorded 24 unanswered points at Reliant Stadium.
Although preseason results do not affect regular-season standings, the Houston Texans preseason game gave coaches an early look at players competing for roster positions.
Davis Mills Leads Houston’s Only Touchdown Drive
Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker opened the scoring with a 34-yard field goal. However, Houston responded with its strongest offensive drive of the game.
Quarterback Davis Mills connected with wide receiver Jared Wayne for a 5-yard touchdown. Chris Freeman made the extra point, giving Houston a 7-3 lead.
Mills completed 9 of 15 passes for 82 yards and one touchdown. He did not throw an interception, but the Chargers sacked him twice. Mills also lost a fumble during the game.
After the touchdown, Houston struggled to extend drives. The Texans failed to score during the final three quarters.
Chargers Take the Lead Before Halftime
Meanwhile, Los Angeles moved ahead during the second quarter. Running back Amar Johnson scored on a 7-yard run, and Dicker added the extra point.
Consequently, the Chargers entered halftime with a 10-7 advantage.
Houston remained within one possession throughout the third quarter. However, Dicker increased the Chargers’ lead with a 48-yard field goal.
The Texans entered the fourth quarter trailing 13-7. Therefore, one touchdown could have returned the lead to Houston.
Los Angeles Pulls Away in Fourth Quarter
Instead, the Chargers controlled the final period and scored two touchdowns. Those 14 points increased their lead to 27-7 and ended Houston’s opportunity for a comeback.
Johnson finished with two touchdowns and 85 total yards for Los Angeles. His performance helped the Chargers maintain their lead after halftime.
Overall, Los Angeles scored in every quarter. Houston, in comparison, produced points only during the opening period.
The Texans also struggled with pass protection and ball security. In addition, the offense could not create enough sustained possessions to support the defense.
Preseason Focus Shifts to Player Evaluation
Despite the loss, the preseason gives Houston’s coaching staff time to review individual performances and correct mistakes.
Coaches will evaluate how players handled assignments, communication and situational football. Furthermore, the remaining games will help determine the final roster and depth chart.
The opener also gave players outside Houston’s established starting lineup an opportunity to compete in live action. Those evaluations will continue during practices and the final two preseason games.
Because teams often limit veteran starters during the preseason, the final score does not provide a complete forecast for the regular season. Nevertheless, Houston will look for better offensive consistency in its next game.
Texans Will Host Raiders Next
The Texans will host the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, Aug. 20. Kickoff will take place at 7 p.m. at Reliant Stadium, and ESPN will televise the game.
Afterward, Houston will finish the preseason at the Carolina Panthers on Friday, Aug. 28. That game begins at 6 p.m.
The Texans will open the regular season at home against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Sept. 13. Therefore, Houston still has several weeks to address problems before the games begin to count.