The Texans fell 27-17 to the Carolina Panthers their first preseason game of the 2017 season.
All three Texans quarterbacks, Tom Savage, Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins, saw action in the preseason opener. Savage played three series before exiting late in the first quarter. Watson, who entered the game in the second quarter, played until 5:05 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Savage completed 9-of-11 passes for 69 yards and led the Texans on a scoring drive that was capped by a 16-yard touchdown run by Alfred Blue. Watson completed 15-of-29 throws for 179 yards and rushed for 24 yards and a score.
The Texans defense had all of its starters for the preseason matchup, including J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney. Watt played just one series in his first game back since undergoing season-ending back surgery last year.
"I feel good," Watt said Wednesday. "It was like a tease. I don't have a very good comparison. It was like a tease. It was just like four or five plays, get yourself in there, get your feet wet, then they take you out. But I feel good. I'm glad I got some game action."
Corey Moore intercepted Panthers quarterback Joe Webb in the endzone for a touchback. Cam Newton did not suit up for the Panthers. Backup quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Webb combined for three passing touchdowns.
Ka'imi Fairbairn kicked the Texans lone field goal attempt, a 25-yarder, with in the second quarter.
The Texans return to The Greenbrier for training camp, where they will host two joint practices with the New England Patriots next week. Houston will host the Patriots for the Week 2 preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 19.
The Houston Texans take on the Carolina Panthers for the first preseason game in 2017.
