The Houston Texans had a lighter practice ahead of preseason game two. Here are 11 observations from the workout.

1. Lovie Smith explained the team treated this practice like they would a Friday in a normal NFL game week. There wasn’t nearly as much full-speed work as there have been at previous workouts. It was mostly a simulation of game scenarios with mixed and matched depth.

2. The third preseason game is when you can expect to see the most playing time from players who will start week one for the Texans. There will be quite the layoff between the final preseason game and the season opener, so the team doesn’t have to be as cautious as in previous years.

3. Lovie Smith did say there is a chance the team will play a few more players and play some players longer than the preseason opener. This would include the potential for Derek Stingley to make his preseason debut.

4. Kenyon Green returned to practice. The first-round pick didn’t do a lot of work, but Lovie Smith said he was a full return. Smith said yesterday on Sirius radio, Green had been dealing with a concussion. It was a light day so nothing too exciting to glean from Green’s return.

5. Lovie Smith still feels confident in Green, despite the injury setback. He mentioned the rookie offensive lineman still needs to play, but he’s made good progress. This bodes well for his chances to overtake Max Scharping or Justin McCray for the starting job.

6. Pharaoh Brown has a hamstring injury. The tight end impressed in training camp plenty, but the roster is short on tight end help. I still believe there could be another tight end addition to this roster, especially if Brown’s injury lingers.

7. It would be nice to see Teagan Quitoriano play a lot in the preseason. The rookie was behind starting training camp with an injury and has practiced a little more recently. With his draft pick investment, he has an inside track on a roster spot. A few reps with Davis Mills and Kyle Allen on Friday might do him well.

8. Nico Collins had a nice play in one of the livelier reps. Collins snagged a ball in tight coverage ripping it down for a reception. He is alone in tier two of the pass catchers on the team. Brandin Cooks is alone in tier one. All the other wideouts are tier three.

9. Desmond King is a great depth piece for this team. King has the versatility to play inside and outside. I am not sure how much he plays cornerback unless there is an injury, but he is a factor in the return game as well.

10. Derek Stingley was all over a pass to Brandin Cooks in the red zone. Cooks was owning Stingley early in camp, but I would say the rookie has earned his fair share of wins in recent weeks.

11. The second preseason game brings a few more opportunities for playing time, and hopefully some wideout clarity with Kyle Allen playing. Also, let’s see if Dameon Pierce can impress again.