​Edge rusher Sabastian Harsh, sacking Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett, had a strong preseason finale Friday in his bid to make the Texans’ 53-man roster. (Jacob Kupferman/Associated Press)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As much as DeMeco Ryans likely wanted to see his team win Friday, the Houston Texans’ preseason game against the Carolina Panthers was more like a final audition.No starters played, and most of the key reserves also sat in Friday’s 16-13 loss at Bank of America Stadium.  About four or five spots were up for grabs, and several players made impressions both good and bad.Here’s how these bubble players fared: DE Sebastian HarshIf there was one player who helped his case, it was Harsh. He finished with three tackles and one sack. He should have been credited with another and a forced fumble. However, the officials ruled the play an incomplete pass. Harsh was also credited with a team-high four pressures. Harsh has been solid throughout camp. It’s unclear if this game helped push him over Solomon Byrd, whom he is competing with for one of the final spots. But he was one of the more impressive players. DE Solomon ByrdByrd didn’t have a sack, but he was a constant presence in the backfield. He had four tackles and two quarterback pressures. He had an injury scare in the fourth quarter, going down briefly but was able to get up. Byrd has been on the practice squad in each of the past two seasons. He flashed in the first two preseason games, with some phenomenal plays, but he also had some blunders in those same games. WR Jared WayneWayne played only briefly but he had two catches for 16 yards. He’s done enough to make the roster, but it’s likely a numbers game. When the Texans made a trade for Kayshon Boutte, that pushed Wayne down the depth chart. If the Texans keep six, he’d likely be the odd man out. If they keep seven, they could keep him. However, Tank Dell is the X-factor here. If the Texans put Dell on injured reserve after their initial 53-man roster is set, they could re-sign Wayne if they cut him. Regardless, Wayne could find his way on someone’s roster based on how he’s played. WR Justin Watson Watson ran just eight routes and was targeted only once. He didn’t record a catch. Watson has been steady all preseason and is a good special-teams player. He signed a two-year deal with the Texans last year. But like Wayne, it’s a matter of numbers at receiver. Watson is currently on the outside looking in right now. 
Houston Texans’ Owen Wright runs against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser) (Scott Kinser/Associated Press)
CB Tremon SmithSmith performed well in coverage and didn’t do anything to hurt his standing. He has positioned himself well as of late to win the No. 4  cornerback job. While Collin Wright initially had the edge on him, sometimes availability is the best ability. And Smith has been available. L