Texans turn attention to preseason opener

The Texans wrapped their second week of training camp in West Virginia, and are now focused on the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. A chilly Saturday morning practice at The Greenbrier, without pads, was the final work before the team took Suday off. They'll practice again on Monday, before taking a Tuesday flight to Charlotte for the Wedensday-nighter. Head coach Bill O'Brien said that all able-bodied Texans will suit up and play against the Panthers. “Everybody that’s able to play in the game, will play in the game," O'Brien said Saturday. "Obviously, we’ll talk about it as a staff, how much everybody plays. You know you got 90 guys, or thereabouts. You have injuries. So, 80-plus guys that you have to get into the game."While both sides will likely employ basic offensive and defensive schemes, it's still an excellent chance for the coaches and front office staff to evaluate the players in a setting different than practice. "I know it’s preseason number one, but it’s our first chance at competition against a different team, so it’s a big test against a team that was in the Super Bowl two years ago with a great head coach in Ron Rivera," O'Brien said. "Great quarterback – Cam (Newton). So, we need to show up ready to play on Wednesday night.” For linebacker Brian Cushing, the game is an opportunity to improve. “Just continue to play better," Cushing said. "Continue to practice and do better and try to eliminate all mistakes and try to play the best linebacker I can possibly play and try to lead the guys as best as I can and play together as a team defense. I think that’s the important thing, to come out and just play collectively really well.” This will be the ninth NFL preseason for Cushing.