Raiders-Texans: Preseason Stars Ready to Steal the Show
Raiders Preseason Game 2: What to Watch Against the Houston Texans
Quick Game Info
- Matchup: Las Vegas Raiders @ Houston Texans
- Kickoff: Thursday, 5:00 PM Pacific Time
- Status: Second preseason game of the year
Why This Game Matters
Preseason games are like practice tests before the real exam. They don’t count in the standings, but they decide who makes the final 53-player roster. This Thursday night in Houston, several Raiders are fighting for their football lives.
Offensive Players to Watch
The Quarterback Situation: Kirk Cousins
- Age alert: Cousins turns 38 today (Happy Birthday!)
- Camp performance: Has looked strong all training camp
- Recent hiccup: Struggled a bit in Tuesday’s joint practice vs. Texans
- What to expect: Coach Klint Kubiak won’t confirm if starters play, but since starters likely sit out the final preseason game (vs. 49ers next week), Cousins might get one more series to shake off Tuesday’s rust
Second-Year Wide Receiver (2023 2nd-Round Pick)
- Last week vs. Arizona: Breakout performance!
- Converted 3 third downs
- Blocked well (coaches love this)
- Backstory: Had an inconsistent rookie year + slow camp start
- Thursday’s mission: Build momentum — string together two good games
Third-Round Pick (Rookie)
- Week 1: Struggled — looked "a little lost," didn’t finish plays
- Silver lining: Showed good burst/speed
- Thursday’s test: Can he learn from mistakes and make plays?
Fourth-Round Running Back
- Explosive debut: 53-yard run vs. Cardinals
- Tuesday practice: Ran well vs. Texans’ second-team defense
- Why he matters: Big + fast = X-Factor — rare combo that can change games
Defensive Players to Watch
Rookie Cornerback (First Game Since 2024 Season)
- Week 1: Rough night vs. Cardinals
- Tuesday practice: Looked much better vs. Texans
- Key question: Was Week 1 just first-game jitters?
- Must improve: Finishing plays (getting interceptions/breakups, not just being near the receiver)
Undrafted Rookie Pass Rusher
- Week 1: Recorded a sack!
- Camp buzz: Has "flashed" (stood out) since offseason started
- Roster path: More big plays in preseason = ticket to 53-man roster
Cornerback Vance (Undrafted/Nickel Specialist)
- Week 1: Flashed as nickel corner (slot defender) while other young CBs struggled
- Opportunity: Final two preseason games = audition for roster spot
Special Teams Battle
Kicker Competition: Matsuzawa vs. Veteran Matt Gay
| Player | Status | Week 1 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Matsuzawa | Undrafted Rookie | Doinked 38-yard FG (hit upright) Kickoff out of bounds (penalty) |
| Matt Gay | Veteran | Incumbent starter |
CRITICAL POINT: This is Matsuzawa’s "do-or-die" game. Another rough outing likely sends him to the practice squad. He needs a big game in Houston.
Newly Signed Wide Receiver / Return Specialist
- Special skill: Averaged 30 yards per kickoff return Week 1
- Roster path: Could make team purely as a returner if he keeps "flashing"
What to Watch For: Your Thursday Night Checklist
- Does Cousins play? And if so, does he look sharp after Tuesday’s struggles?
- Can the 2nd-year WR back up last week’s breakout?
- Does the 3rd-round rookie show growth from Week 1?
- Can the 4th-round RB break another long run?
- Matsuzawa’s kicks: Every attempt is make-or-break
- Vance at nickel: Can he lock down a roster spot?
- Return game: Does the new WR keep the big returns coming?
Summary
Thursday’s game in Houston is pivotal for roster bubbles. The Raiders have:
- Quarterback questions (Cousins’ workload + health at 38)
- Young offensive weapons trying to prove Week 1 wasn’t a fluke (or was a fluke)
- Defensive backs fighting for nickel/special teams roles
- A kicker duel where the rookie’s career hangs in the balance
Bottom line: Starters may barely play, but the backups fighting for jobs will play like their careers depend on it — because they do.
FAQ
Q: Do preseason games count toward the regular season record?
A: No! They’re exhibition games (0-0 record). They exist purely for evaluation and preparation.
Q: Why would a 38-year-old quarterback play in a meaningless preseason game?
A: Rhythm and reps. Even veterans need live-game speed to sharpen timing with receivers, test the offensive line, and shake off rust — especially after a shaky practice.
Q: What’s the "53-man roster" and why does it matter?
A: NFL teams can only keep 53 players on the active roster for regular season games. Preseason is the final audition — cut day comes right after the last preseason game.
Q: What does "flashed" mean in football talk?
A: It means a player stood out positively — made a noticeable, impressive play (or several) that caught coaches’ eyes. Think: "He showed up on the highlight reel."
Q: What’s a "nickel cornerback"?
A: A slot cornerback who comes on the field for passing downs (when offense uses 3+ receivers). It’s a specialized, high-value role — good nickel CBs stick on rosters.
Final Thought: Preseason isn’t about the final score. It’s about who earns a helmet on Sundays. Grab some popcorn and watch the bubble players — their Thursday night might determine the Raiders’ depth all season.