​What’s the plan for the Houston Texans in the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers?Right now, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans doesn’t want to reveal too much of the game plan headed into Tuesday’s walkthrough.”I’m really looking for those guys who are on the back end of the roster, seeing them go out and compete for an opportunity to be a part of our team this season,” Ryans said Monday. “To see those guys get as many reps as they can handle and to see who’s going to show up on game day.” More often than not, the Texans usually wait until Week 2 for veterans to take the field. And yes, veterans is key because all young players often at least see a little bit of action between the first three drives. ‘A select group of guys’ will not play for #Texans against #Chargers per DeMeco Ryans. Normally, starters get held out as they did last year vs#Vikings— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 10, 2026It would be wise to say names like C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter and Wyatt Teller likely won’t see any action when the AFC West team takes the field on Thursday night. Other starters, like projected starting center Keylan Rutledge, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and wide receiver Jayden Higgins, should at least expect to begin Thursday night rocking with the first-team unit. Ryans didn’t say by name which starters would be held out, but he did mention a select few wouldn’t suit up. “For our preseason game against the Chargers, we’ll have a select group of guys who will not go out of play,” Ryans said Monday. The Texans kick off at 7 p.m. CT on ABC. This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Will starters play vs. the Chargers in the preseason? Texans HC DeMeco Ryans weighs in