There are players on the Houston Texans who could have used the in-game experience that the preseason brings.
The NFL for the 2020 season will be different than any of us are used to, but for players, it will be different as well as training camps are sure to change, fewer fans will be around and there will be no preseason games to help players have an extra way to earn a roster spot.
That brings us to the Texans and players on their roster who could really use the upcoming preseason to earn a way onto the roster, and not only that, to earn a possible spot in the starting lineup.
The main roles within the offense and defense are set, and players like Deshaun Watson, David Johnson, J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus and Laremy Tunsil are just a few players who don’t need the preseason, but what about some of the younger players, or players new to the team who don’t have everything set in stone?
One thing that is a positive is there are players who will still be a part of NFL organizations because this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teams can have a 16-player practice squad, which will give players another opportunity to stay on with an NFL franchise.
Over at HoustonTexans.com, the website explained some of the changes made to the CBA this offseason:
"“The CBA adjustments include an allowance for 16-man practice squads, high-risk and general opt-outs of participation due to the pandemic (deadline date to be determined), and the absence of a preseason for 2020, according to League sources.”"
As for the Houston Texans and the preseason, they only had five players they drafted this past April, and they didn’t sign the usual number of undrafted rookie free agents, but this year without the help of preseason games against different opponents, some of those players aren’t going to get the same chance as usual to make the actual roster, but they do have extra spots available on the practice squad.
All in all, this offseason has been a change to the norm, and with the preseason not existing this year, the following players might have a tougher time to make the actual game day roster in 2020.