J.J. Watt and the Texans will open their preseason at home against a rebuilding 49ers team (Getty).
The 49ers are eager to begin the preseason, mostly to forget what was one of the worst off-seasons any team has ever had.
The departure of Jim Harbaugh would make it hard for any team to improve. The loss of Frank Gore was unforeseen, but surprise retirements Chris Borland and Patrick Willis were absolute shockers. The rebuilding task now falls on Jim Tomsula, who’s in his first NFL coaching job but has been with the team since 2007.
Across the sidelines will be the Houston Texans, who will be anxious to get on the field sans-distractions. The team made their debut on Hard Knocks this week, and coach Bill O’Brien has spent training camp being bombarded with questions about who will start at quarterback. The Texans will need the preseason to test replacements for Arian Foster, who will miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery on his injured groin.
Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the upcoming contest:
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2015
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
TV Channel: KPIX in San Francisco; KTRK in Houston; Check here for full listings in surrounding areas
Odds: Texans -2.5, Over/Under 35.5, via OddsShark.com
49ers Player to Watch: Jarryd Hayne
Jarryd Hayne is an interesting training camp story, and a player that will get a big chance to make an NFL roster on Saturday. Hayne, who is a former Australian rugby star, has been impressing in training camp with his versatility and his ability to take hits.
If Hayne can be valuable in any way, it will be a huge lift for the Niners. Frank Gore was a consistent presence for the team. New signing Reggie Bush and former Buckeye Carlos Hyde will be the primary ball carriers, but they will see little work in the preseason. Hayne will compete with other rookies to fill out the depth chart, and could secure his spot with a strong game returning kicks tonight.
According to reports, fans will get a full dose of Hayne in Houston. The Aussie is slated to return kicks, as well as rush and receive passes out of the backfield.
Texans Player to Watch: Kenny Hilliard
Kenny Hiliiard will make his NFL debut tonight against the 49ers (Getty).
Alfred Blue currently holds the top spot at running back on the Texans’ depth chart, but expect a committee situation in Houston. That being said, there are multiple names vying for a role in that committee including Hilliard, the Texans seventh-round pick in this year’s draft.
Hilliard posted solid numbers as a four-year rusher at LSU. However if you’ve seen the Hard Knocks premiere, you’re aware that Bill O’Brien cares not about your college history. Hilliard is 6′ and over 230 pounds, making him the right size for a change-of-pace back for the Texans. Hilliard can earn a spot this preseason when he gets his touches alongside Texans backups Jonathan Grimes and Chris Polk.