Houston, TX . Thursday, August 13, 2026 | Kickoff: 7:00 PM CT (8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT) | Reliant Stadium
The Houston Texans open their 2026 preseason at home against the Los Angeles Chargers in a fascinating AFC matchup Thursday night.
For Houston, the opener begins its milestone 25th season, while Los Angeles starts Year 3 under Jim Harbaugh with several competitions unresolved.
🔔 ROSTER & STORYLINE UPDATES
Houston Texans
Houston enters preseason with expectations rising after another productive offseason under head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio.
The Texans will use Thursday night to evaluate younger players while protecting established stars whose roles are already secure entering September.
Houston’s offense remains centered around quarterback C.J. Stroud, but the preseason provides important opportunities for players competing behind him.
One offensive player generating attention entering camp is wide receiver Jayden Higgins, who has been mentioned as a potential breakout candidate.
Houston also wants continued development from safety Calen Bullock, another young player capable of becoming an increasingly important defensive piece.
The Texans have emphasized strengthening their rushing attack throughout the offseason, creating important preseason evaluations across running back and offensive line.
Defensive depth should also receive considerable attention, especially with several players battling for rotational snaps behind Houston’s established front-line defenders.
Houston’s preseason schedule also includes joint practices later this month against Las Vegas and Carolina, increasing the importance of early roster evaluations.
Eight training camp practices were opened to fans this summer as Houston prepares to celebrate the franchise’s milestone 25th NFL season.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers enter their third season under Jim Harbaugh, hoping training camp competition can help transform another playoff-caliber roster into a contender.
One of Los Angeles’ biggest questions surrounds the offensive line, particularly an open competition at left guard entering the preseason.
Kayode Awosika, Jake Slaughter and Trevor Penning are among the players battling for the position between established starters across the line.
The Chargers also welcome back tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, whose health remains critical to protecting quarterback Justin Herbert.
Whether Justin Herbert receives preseason snaps remains another major storyline as Los Angeles installs Mike McDaniel’s offensive system.
The Chargers could prioritize live repetitions in the new offense, although Harbaugh must balance preparation with protecting his franchise quarterback.
Wide receiver Ladd McConkey is another player attracting attention as Los Angeles looks for him to rebound inside McDaniel’s scheme.
Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris are also expected to compete for significant roles within a receiving group undergoing another evolution.
Defensively, Los Angeles has several intriguing battles, including an edge-rusher competition featuring Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard and Nadame Tucker.
🗓️ WHEN & WHERE
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Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
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Kickoff: 7:00 PM CT / 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
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Venue: Reliant Stadium
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Location: Houston, Texas
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Preseason: Week 1
Houston officially opens its three-game preseason schedule against Los Angeles before hosting Las Vegas and finishing August on the road in Carolina.
The Chargers begin preseason in Houston before returning home for games against the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams.
📺 HOW TO WATCH / STREAM
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Houston local broadcast: ABC-13 KTRK
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Los Angeles local broadcast: CBS2 LA
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U.S. streaming: NFL+
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Game replay: NFL+ Premium
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International availability: NFL Game Pass through DAZN where available
Houston lists ABC-13 KTRK as the local television home for the Week 1 preseason matchup beginning at 7:00 PM CT.
Los Angeles confirms that all three Chargers preseason games will air locally on CBS2 LA, including Thursday’s opener in Houston.
NFL+ will also carry live preseason games throughout the United States, with replays available through NFL+ Premium.
🎧 HOW TO LISTEN
Texans Radio Network
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SportsRadio 610 AM
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100.3 The Bull
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Mega 101.1 FM . Spanish
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Texans App
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Audacy App
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Texans Radio Network affiliates
Houston’s radio broadcast features Marc Vandermeer on play-by-play, Andre Ware as analyst and John Harris providing sideline coverage.
Chargers Radio Network
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KFI AM 640
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Chargers Radio Network affiliates
Los Angeles lists KFI AM 640 as its radio home for the preseason opener and throughout the 2026 season.
🎥 TEAM COVERAGE
Houston Texans
Pregame coverage, training camp reports, interviews, highlights and postgame reaction will be available through HoustonTexans.com and the Texans App.
Houston’s official digital coverage will also follow competitions surrounding younger receivers, offensive-line depth and defensive rotational positions throughout August.
Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers fans can follow previews, training camp reports, player interviews and postgame coverage through Chargers.com and the Chargers App.
Los Angeles’ official coverage has focused heavily on offensive-line competition, Mike McDaniel’s new offense and several developing defensive position battles.
📊 QUICK SUMMARY
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans |
| Date | Thursday, August 13, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:00 PM CT / 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT |
| Location | Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas |
| Preseason Week | Week 1 |
| Houston TV | ABC-13 KTRK |
| Los Angeles TV | CBS2 LA |
| Streaming | NFL+ |
| Texans Radio | SportsRadio 610, 100.3 The Bull |
| Texans Spanish Radio | Mega 101.1 FM |
| Chargers Radio | KFI AM 640 |
| Houston Focus | Young offensive players, rushing attack, defensive depth |
| Chargers Focus | Left guard competition, new offense, receiver roles, edge depth |
| Texans Players to Watch | Jayden Higgins, Calen Bullock and roster-bubble players |
| Chargers Players to Watch | Ladd McConkey, Tre’ Harris, Kyle Kennard and left-guard candidates |
| Main Focus | First major game evaluation before roster decisions intensify |
👉 Houston’s preseason opener against Los Angeles represents much more than the first unofficial game on the Texans’ 2026 schedule.
The Texans will use the night to evaluate younger players while beginning preparations for a highly anticipated milestone 25th season.
For players fighting behind established stars such as C.J. Stroud, preseason snaps could become crucial opportunities to climb Houston’s depth chart.
Los Angeles arrives facing equally important questions surrounding its offensive line and the installation of Mike McDaniel’s new offensive system.
The Chargers also need answers from several young receivers, edge rushers and backup players trying to secure meaningful roles before September.
With both teams preparing for ambitious seasons, Thursday night’s matchup should provide coaches their first meaningful look at several critical roster competitions.
For rookies and roster-bubble players on both sidelines, every snap in Houston could influence who survives the final cut to 53 players.
