When it comes to NFL preseason games, you're never sure what you're going to see. Some coaches hold out their starters completely, while others like to get them reps in a game setting.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans falls in the second category. Ryans told the media on Monday, that starters will see some action against the Steelers this Friday.

To what extent we see the starters is still unknown. Will it be one series, maybe two? Will this be the first time we see CJ Stroud throwing to Stefon Diggs in live game action? We'll have our answer soon enough.

If we are going to see Stroud this Friday, protection is going to be paramount. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil won't be playing this week, as he's still working his way back from offseason surgery. Right tackle Tytus Howard left Tuesday's practice, according to KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson.

Details of what caused Howard to leave practice aren't clear. He was in the medical tent before leaving the field, so something has to be bothering him.

There's no reason to rush him back this early in the preseason, so he may not be available to play on Friday. Tackle Charlie Heck is working through plantar fasciitis, we don't expect him to play this week either.

With that in mind, how much do the Texans want to put Stroud at risk behind backup tackles against the Steelers in August? Probably not much. Stroud tossed three interceptions in Tuesday's practice, for what it's worth.

We also shouldn't expect Joe Mixon to play, he's still dealing with a quad injury and not practicing. Which might be a good thing. Houston needs to see what they have at running back behind Mixon.

We expect to see Dameon Pierce this week after being held out of the Hall of Fame game. Hopefully he looks more comfortable in the offense after another offseason to get acclimated.

One of the most exciting battles to watch will be the fight for the number three running back. Dare Ogunbowale should have a good shot to return in that role, but Cam Akers showed some “juice” against the Bears. Especially in the passing game. Jawhar Jordan, JJ Taylor, and British Brooks should also see some reps.

Defense

Linebacker Christian Harris hasn't been practicing, and rookie corner Kamari Lassister hasn't practiced this week. DE Danielle Hunter returned to practice on Tuesday. Coach Ryans told the media on Monday that both Hunter and Will Anderson are fine, despite not practicing on Monday.

ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime is reporting that corner Jeff Okuhah and Desmond King both were out of practice on Tuesday.

We'll continue to monitor practice reports as we get closer to game day this Friday!