How these 11 bubble players fared in Houston Texans' loss to Carolina Panthers to end preseason

The Houston Texans' preseason game against the Carolina Panthers ended in a 16-13 loss, serving more as a final audition for the team. Many key reserves and potential roster additions did not play, leaving a handful of spots up for grabs. Edge rusher Sebastian Harsh was the standout performer, recording three tackles, one sack, and four pressures despite an incomplete pass that should have been credited as a sack.

Solomon Byrd, competing for one of the final spots, had four tackles and two quarterback pressures but suffered an injury scare in the fourth quarter. WR Jared Wayne had two catches for 16 yards, while WR Justin Watson, on the outside looking in, had no catches but showed his consistency. CB Tremon Smith and CB Jake Andrews performed well in coverage and blocked well, while WR Josh Kelly led all receivers with three catches for 36 yards.

RB Owen Wright, a late addition to the roster, had a mixed performance with 34 yards on eight carries. WR Kaevon Merriweather, who had been mostly steady, struggled with five tackles, two missed tackles, and four catches for 29 yards.