CHARLOTTE, N.C. - It had almost become routine.
Houston Texans edge rusher Danielle Hunter would make a move past a Carolina Panthers offensive tackle. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young would be surveying the field. And Hunter would sack him.
Meanwhile, on the second field, the Texans' offense was having the same success. It started with the offensive line, which gave quarterback C.J. Stroud enough time to carve up the Panthers' defense.
He had two touchdowns on the day, and played turnover-free football.
"We put on a dominant performance today," guard Ed Ingram said. "That's what we came to do."
Texans Insider with Jonathan M. Alexander
Sign up for an in-depth newsletter with Houston Texans news, features and predictions.
Ingram is right. It was about as dominant a practice as the Texans have had since training camp began last month. And this was better than the joint practice with the Raiders last week - where the Texans were also dominant.
This is what coach DeMeco Ryans was hoping to see. After losing in the divisional round for the third consecutive year, the Texans went to work in the offseason figuring out ways to limit their weakness while enhancing their strengths.
Perhaps the biggest was adding to an offensive line that made strides in 2025, but remained mediocre.
The Texans know that Stroud's performance is often based on how well his offensive line protects him. And if the unit can have days like this during the regular season, Stroud can certainly return to the player he was during his rookie season.
"The offensive line was really the bright spot to me," Ryans said after practice. "Seeing how much time C.J. and Davis (Mills) had to operate. Seeing the guys pass off stunts, hearing them, seeing everyone be on the same page, that's what we want from our guys."
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 26: Linebacker Azeez al-Shaair #0 of the Houston Texans looks on during a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers at Carolina Panthers Practice Fields on August 26, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images) (Matt Kelley/Getty Images)Kayshon Boutte to ramp up
Newly acquired wide receiver Kayshon Boutte made the trip to Charlotte for the joint practice, but he did not participate in any team drills. He worked off to the side with a trainer.
Ryans said there will be a ramp-up process for Boutte. They first want to assess where he is before inserting him fully into the lineup.
The Texans traded a 2028 seventh-round pick and safety Jaylen Reed for Boutte earlier this week a few days after losing their No. 2 receiver Jayden Higgins.
Boutte, who is one of the better deep-play threats in the league, figures to fill that role for the Texans at some point.
"It's a big get for us," Ryans said. "We've played against Kayshon multiple times over the past couple of years. He's continued to make plays time and time again. He's still an ascending player with a lot to improve upon, a lot to grow, so I'm excited to work with a young player who has a very bright and promising future."
"It's been great to work with him so far. We'll get him up and running as the week continues."
Injuries to Braden Smith, Ali GayeOffensive tackle Braden Smith and edge rusher Ali Gaye suffered lower leg injuries on opposite fields at the same time.
Both players were carried off on carts and did not return to practice.
Smith, whom the Texans signed to a two-year, $25 million deal this offseason, is in a competition with right tackle Trent Brown to start at right tackle.
Through three weeks, Brown has played better. But at the least, the Texans need Smith's depth, as Brown has been often injured.
As for Gaye, he was also a depth piece at edge rusher. The Texans have been ravaged with injuries to their defensive ends in recent weeks. Jadeveon Clowney did not practice, nor did Dominique Robinson. Edge rusher Dylan Horton suffered a season-ending Achilles injury two days ago.
It's possible the Texans sign another edge rusher in the coming days.
Starters will not play in final preseason gameRyans said no Texans starters will play in the Friday's preseason finale against the Panthers.
Most of their work happened in the joint practice, and the final game will be used to assess the bubble players.
Several defensive starters have not played in any preseason games this year, including Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Will Anderson Jr., Henry To'oTo'o and Calen Bullock.
Who stood out in practice vs. Panthers?The offensive line had its best performance of camp. Danielle Hunter had five sacks. And Calen Bullock had two interceptions.
Those three stood out above everyone. But the Texans also got good plays from other playerss as well. Mario Edwards had a strip sack, after pushing an offensive lineman into Young, and forcing him to lose the ball.
Odds and ends- Tank Dell did not participate in practice. He has missed the past five practices as he returns from a serious knee injury suffered in December 2024.
- Also not at practice was edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who is dealing with a minor injury, tight end Brevin Jordan and cornerback Collin Wright.
- Stroud was on target for most of Wednesday's practice. He finished 19-of-24 for 161 yards and two touchdowns. One of his touchdowns was to second-year receiver Jaylin Noel, while the other went for 25 yards Lewis Bond.
- Stroud did miss one throw to David Montgomery that would have been a 25-yard touchdown, slightly overthrowing him up the right sideline. Montgomery had a defender beat.
- Noel got shaken up on special teams after he was hit by a Panthers player late in practice.
This article originally published at Houston Texans have dominant showing in joint practice with Carolina Panthers, albeit with injuries.
Leave a Comment