With Week 1 of the NFL preseason set to kick off tonight, there are many interesting storylines and matchups to follow. Old faces in new places, new faces in new places, and young talent across the league looking to make their first mark on the league. Here’s everything you need to know about the Houston Texans and New England Patriots preseason matchup channel, as well as the start time and live stream options.
What Channel Is the Texans vs. Patriots Game Tonight?
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network
- Live stream option: NFL+
Will C.J. Stroud Make His Houston Texans Debut?
One of the most exciting first-round picks in this year’s draft was star quarterback C.J. Stroud of Ohio State, who the Texans selected No. 2 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft to become their franchise QB.
There seems to be excitement and a lot of buzz about the way Stroud has been practicing, with reports stating that not only is he slated to play, but he’s also expected to start.
DeMeco Ryans said CJ Stroud will start the first preseason game for the #Texans.
— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) August 7, 2023
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has been vocal and forthright with his plans for Stroud early in his career. While it may be different in approach compared to how we see other young quarterbacks in the league have been handled, Ryans is confident in the young signal-caller and is excited to see Stroud under center starting on Day 1.
Will We See Mac Jones in Preseason Game 1?
Last year was a year to forget in Foxborough. The Patriots seemed to have lost their “Patriot Way” and found themselves missing the playoffs for the second year in a row, a rarity during the Bill Belichick era.
Many around the team and the league have questions about Mac Jones as he enters Year 3. Last season felt like a mulligan as the cards Jones was dealt with Matt Patricia and Joe Judge running the offense despite not being qualified to do so were less than ideal.
Fast forward to present day, and the Patriots have now brought in a familiar face in Bill O’Brien to man the offensive coordinator position and have tasked him with fixing the much-maligned offensive attack.
It’s possible the way the Patriots are reportedly handling Jones’ usage in the preseason is a vote of confidence for the young signal-caller, as his preseason participation is anything but concrete.
When asked if Jones was going to play on Thursday night, Belichick was quoted saying, “Yeah, I don’t know.” Of course, Belichick knows, and even though many are alluding to the fact he may not suit up, it looks like we will have to wait until kickoff to find out.