While starters didn’t play, losing still isn’t acceptable for any team that thinks of itself as a Super Bowl threat.

The Houston Texans fell on the road in their first preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a 20-10 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Rookie quarterback Graham Mertz threw three second-half interceptions while veteran quarterback Davis Mills connected with Braxton Berrios in the first quarter for the team’s only touchdown.

Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy played two drives, completing four passes for 30 yards, including a pair of receptions to Jordan Addison. Minnesota’s defense never pressured the first-team offense, but it totaled two sacks in the second quarter to keep Houston out of the end zone.

Here’s how the two teams got to the final ending. The Texans will begin practice on Monday in preparation for their showdown against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday at NRG Stadium.

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FinalMertz makes another mistake

With another chance to bring Houston back, Graham Mertz overthrew Quintez Cephus for what would become his third interception on the afternoon. Vikings cornerback Kahlef Hailassie secured the win with 4:03 left in the quarter.

Defense gives offense another chance!

Max Brosmer muffed a snap at Houston’s 32-yard line, leading to a fumble recovery from rookie linebacker K.C. Ossai. Down by 10, the Texans have a chance to at least pull within a score heading into the final minutes of the first season.

Mertz’s Murky Throw

Graham Mertz’s pass was just a bit too high for Xavier Johnson to haul in, leading to an interception by Ambry Thomas in Houston territory.

Toolhill Takedown!

Casey Toolhill’s third-down sack secured a promising drive to end in defeat. Even while being held at the line of scrimmage, the veteran defensive end won his one-on-one battle to take down Rypien for a loss of seven.

Welcome to the show, Graham Mertz

With Slovis out, Mertz made his Texans’ debut to keep the third quarter humming. The results weren’t promising outside of a 6-yard pass to John Metchie III. Mertz finished 2-for-4 for 16 yards, missing two short passes to Jakob Johnson and Luke Lachey.

Defensive delivers!

Brett Rypien entered the game for the Vikings, but it didn’t matter since Houston’s defense needed four plays to force a punt. Two pass breakups put the Vikings in 3rd-and-11, but Rypien couldn’t find a target to keep the drive alive.

Close, but no luck

Kedon Slovis’ final drive was at least impressive on his part, largely due to his connection with Braxton Berrios. The veteran receiver picked up two catches for 21 yards, including a 9-yard gain for a first down. Once again, the offense rolled its way into Minnesota territory, but couldn’t connect on third down to keep the drive alive.

Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 43-yard kick was enough to bring the Texans within three.

Halftime Stats

Minnesota goes into the half up 13-7, as Hoiston’s final play was snuffed out when Kevon Slovis lost the ball on a sack as the offensive line continued to struggle. Here’s the box score:

Halftime: Vikings 13, Texans 7Turn away offensive line truthers

Kedon Slovis couldn’t make much work in the long game, largely due to the protection up front. After starting off 7-for-7, Slovis missed a wide-open John Metchie III while being rushed out of the pocket. On the following play, he was sacked for a loss of 14 yards, leading to a punt as the final play of the first half.

Yes, Slovis needs to correct his on-field execution and accuracy, but Blake Fisher whiffed on two different plays, allowing Minnesota’s pass rush to take over the backfield for another pressure.

Lead lost

Sam Howell’s debut in Minnesota was promising. He opened the drive with back-to-back completions to Lucky Jackson for a pair of first-downs. With several promising runs, Minnesota took a 13-7 lead with a sneak-in for six behind the new signal-caller.

Money Mills in control

The Texans respond and take the lead. Davis Mills was on point from the get-go after connecting with Cade Stover for a 9-yard gain and first down. The backup Texans quarterback went 4-of-5 for 50 yards, finding rookie Jaylin Noel for a gain of 9 and John Metchie III for a 19-yard pickup.

The Texans capped off the drive with a 14-yard touchdown reception from Baxton Berrios to make it 7-3.

Defense holds on the opening drive

While J.J. McCarthy looked impressive in his first drive, he couldn’t find the end zone. The former Michigan product connected on two first-down passes to Jordan Addison, but couldn’t find the end zone after an exceptional third-down stop with pressure up the middle.

Will Reichard’s 46-yard field goal went right down the middle to give Minnesota a three-point lead. McCarthy, who’s expected to play the entire first quarter, completed four passes for 37 yards.

DE Darell Taylor shaken up before end of the drive

Taylor, who has been the Texans’ top No. 3 pass-rusher in drills, was seen shaken up following a 26-yard completion from J.J. McCarthy to Jordan Addison on the opening drive. While it doesn’t look serious, the medical staff did come out to evaluate the defensive end and eventually help him off the field.

Taylor, who signed a one-year deal this offseason, is a fringe starter. He totaled 3.5 sacks last season with the Chicago Bears, but posted 21.5 during his three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.

Brevin Jordan getting the troops ready

Tight end Brevin Jordan, who’s expected to be a fixture in the offense this season, made sure to set the tone before the team took the field.

Who’s in? Who out?

Texans take the field

Welcome back to padded plays and hits on display that matter, Texans fans.

A NEW returner?

The Texans need a new return man with Tank Dell missing most of the impending season. Here’s a look at All-Pro Braxton Berrios fielding punts ahead of kickoff.

Top rookies to play

Both Jayden Higgins and Aireontae Ersery are going through drills and appear poised to start the game. The first two picks for the rookies are expected to start this season, but while most starters are not playing, there’s a difference with the duo since they’ve yet to see action in their young careers. Ersery, who likely will start at right tackle during the season, is expected to see most of his reps on the left side today since he’s the top option behind Cam Robinson.

A Breakout Day for the rookie?

While the Texans aren’t starting C.J. Stroud, Jayden Higgins is expected to see action during the first half. Saturday will mark the first game of Higgins’ young career since being drafted No. 34 overall in last April’s draft out of Iowa State.

Davis Mills is QB1

According to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson, Davis Mills will start for the Texans on Saturday, meaning C.J. Stroud won’t see action against the Vikings. This was expected since the Texans aren’t trying to rush Stroud into a starting role ahead of Week 1’s showdown against the Los Angeles Rams.

Who is starting in the secondary?

According to reports, Derek Stingley Jr., Calen Bullock and Jalen Pitre are all expected to be out of Saturday’s contest. Myles Bryant will start in the nickel while Russ Yeast and M.J. Stewart will start at safety.

Touch down at U.S. Bank Stadium

The Texans have arrived at U.S. Bank Stadium ahead of Saturday’s 3 p.m. showdown against the Minnesota Vikings.

  • TV channel: NFL Network, ABC 13 Houston
  • Streaming: NFL Network | Fubo (free trial)

The Texans and Vikings will air live on NFL Network, but it will also air locally on ABC 13 in Houston. It’s been announced that J.J. McCarthy will start for the Vikings and will likely play the entire first half of the game. For the Texans, only partial starters will see action, so fans should expect to see C.J. Stroud, Nick Chubb, Danielle Hunter, Nico Collins or others on the field in Minneapolis.

In addition to airing live on NFL Network, as well as the aforementioned channels, the Texans-Vikings game will also re-air on NFL Network on Sunday at 10 p.m. CT. NFL Network will re-run the game one final time on Friday, Aug. 15 at 11 a.m. CT.

Additionally, out-of-market fans can stream the game live on NFL+.

Texans vs. Vikings start time

  • Date: Saturday, August 9
  • Time: 3 p.m. CT

Kickoff for the Texans’ preseason opener against the Vikings is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT, as the two sides gather at U.S. Bank Stadium for the showdown between former Kyle Shanahan assistants. Do not expect many of the Texans’ starters to get reps in this one since DeMeco Ryans usually prefers to have his starters see reps in the joint practices that begin on Thursday against the Carolina Panthers back in Houston.

Streaming options for the game include the NFL Network and Fubo, which offers a free trial.

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Texans preseason schedule 2025

Below is Houston’s preseason schedule.

  • Saturday, August 9: at Minnesota Vikings
  • Saturday, August 16: vs. Carolina Panthers
  • Saturday, August 23: at Detroit Lions

Texans’ regular-season schedule 2025

Below is Houston’s regular-season schedule.

Week 18: TBD: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 1: Sunday, September 7, 3:45 p.m. CT: at Los Angeles Rams

Week 2: Monday, September 15, 6 p.m. CT: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (MNF)

Week 3: Sunday, September 21, Noon CT: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 4: Sunday, September 28, Noon CT: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 5: Sunday, October 5, Noon CT: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 6: Sunday, October 12: Bye Week

Week 7: Monday, October 20, 9 p.m. CT: at Seattle Seahawks (MNF)

Week 8: Sunday, October 26, Noon CT: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week 9: Sunday, November 2, Noon CT: vs. Denver Broncos

Week 10: Sunday, November 9, Noon CT: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 11: Sunday, November 16, Noon CT: at Tennessee Titans

Week 12: Thursday, November 20, 7:20 p.m. CT: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 13: Sunday, November 30, Noon CT: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 14: Sunday, December 7, 7:20 p.m. CT: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 15: Sunday, December 14, Noon CT: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 16: Sunday, December 21 at 3:20 p.m. CT: vs.Las Vegas Raiders

Week 17: TBD: at Los Angeles Chargers.