Deshaun Watson played just one drive in Saturday's preseason home opener against the San Francisco 49ers, but capped off his night with a touchdown.

"It's always good to play at home," Watson said. "I love Houston. I love this stadium. I love the fans. I just love the atmosphere, so it's always good to come back home and play. It's been a while for myself, so anytime I step on the field it's special. It's a great time, but especially when I come back home. It's extra special."

Without DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller V in the lineup, Watson connected with Ellington three times on the 11-play, 79-yard drive. Watson kick started the drive with a handoff to Lamar Miller. On the second play, Ellington turned a short pass into a 34-yard catch-and-run for a first down. Three plays later, Watson found Ellington again, this time for a six-yard gain. Ryan Griffin caught a deep 22-yard pass along the sideline to give the Texans first-and-goal and followed it up with a short seven-yard on the same drive.

After an incompletion to Ellington in the end zone, Watson's second attempt was successful. On fourth-and-inches, Ellington's 1-yard touchdown catch gave Houston its first points of the night.

"Bruce is a guy that he makes sure he's open," Watson said. "He does everything he needs to do to secure the ball and put me in a position where I can make an easy throw with no defenders around. He catches the ball with strong hands and gets yards after the catch. Bruce is very smart; he's been in the league for three or four years now. He's doing a great job for us, and he's going to continue to do that."

The Texans and 49ers were tied 7-7 in the first quarter.

Brandon Weeden took over for Watson on the Texans next possession. Watson exited the game 5-of-8 for 73 yards, one touchdown and a 131.8 passer rating.