Texans vs. Lions Recap

Lions Find Their Backup QB and a Rising Rookie

The Detroit Lions may have dropped their preseason game to the Houston Texans 26-7, but the night wasn’t without positives. Veteran quarterback Kyle Allen and rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa made strong cases for their roster spots, connecting on a 33-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Head coach Dan Campbell praised both players afterward, calling their progress one of the bright spots in camp.

Kyle Allen Takes Over the QB2 Spot

Allen, now in his seventh NFL season, looked sharp once again. He went 5-for-5 for 66 yards and a score, capping off a preseason where he completed 35 of 44 passes with five touchdowns and just two interceptions. That consistency has locked him into the backup role behind Jared Goff, beating out Hendon Hooker, who struggled again Saturday with another interception and no preseason touchdowns.

Isaac TeSlaa Emerging at Receiver

Detroit took a bit of a gamble spending a third-round pick on TeSlaa after a modest college season at Arkansas (28 catches, 545 yards, 3 TDs). But the 6-foot-4 rookie has rewarded their faith, finishing preseason with 10 catches for 146 yards and three scores. His size and reliable hands have earned him a spot behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, with Campbell hinting he’ll see action early in the regular season.

Texans’ QB Competition Heats Up

While Detroit learned more about its depth, Houston got a big performance from rookie Graham Mertz. The former Florida and Wisconsin quarterback completed 14 of 16 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown to ex-Lion Quintez Cephus, also flashing mobility with 20 rushing yards. Fellow QB Kedon Slovis added a touchdown of his own in the fourth quarter, while the Texans rested both C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills. With final cuts looming, Mertz may have played his way into a roster or practice squad spot.

👀 What’s next?The Texans open their season Sept. 7 against the Rams, while the Lions kick things off the same day in Green Bay.

Detailed Offensive Highlights

Team	Player	Position	Stats
Lions	Kyle Allen	QB	5/5, 66 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT
Lions	Isaac TeSlaa	WR	2 rec, 41 yds, 1 TD
Lions	Hendon Hooker	QB	6/11, 70 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT
Texans	Graham Mertz	QB	14/16, 145 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT, 20 rush yds
Texans	Kedon Slovis	QB	11/16, 111 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Texans	Quintez Cephus	WR	4 rec, 51 yds, 1 TD

Final Notes

• Lions QB Kyle Allen has cemented his backup role behind Jared Goff with consistent preseason performances.

• Rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa made a strong case for early season contribution.

• Texans rookie QBs Graham Mertz and Kedon Slovis both impressed, with Mertz looking to secure a roster or practice squad spot.