The Texans Week 4 preseason game in Dallas is a pivotal one for many players fighting to make the 53-man roster.
"I think there's at least 10 spots that are still competitive," head coach Bill O'Brien said Monday.
Roster cuts began Monday. Teams must reduce their rosters to a maximum of 75 active players by 3 p.m. CT on September 1 and down to their 53-man roster by 3 p.m. CT on September 5.
With just four days in between the Texans final two preseason games, it will be a short week for players still hoping to make the final cut. O'Brien plans to give ample playing time to the those players on Thursday night, while resting the majority of starters as he has in the previous three games.
"I'd say that you will probably see more of the younger players playing a lot more in this game," O'Brien said. "We really haven't sat down yet because of all the moving parts between last night and what's going on this morning just specifically talking about pitch counts, reps, things like that, but I would see it as being similar."
The Texans wrap up their 2015 preseason against the Cowboys on Thursday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m CT on KTRK ABC-13 and SportsRadio 610.
The Texans and Saints tangled in New Orleans for a preseason game.
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) tries to pull in a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis (21) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) tries to pull in a pass over New Orleans Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis (21) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) tries to pull in a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis (21) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
Houston Texans wide receiver Cecil Shorts (18) tries to carry past New Orleans Saints cornerback Damian Swann (38) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Delvin Breaux, left, tries to tackle Houston Texans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
Houston Texans wide receiver Cecil Shorts (18) tries to carry past New Orleans Saints cornerback Damian Swann (38) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
