Bears won't play starters in HOF Game, Will Texans?

The Hall of Fame Game is a year experience for two teams to get an extra preseason matchup. Usually, that benefits those trying to make the final 53-man squad.

Starters often rest in Canton, Ohio. They stand on the sidelines and support those looking to impress the coaches and earn more playing time the following week when the preseason officially kicks off.

Entering Thursday, Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus told local reporters that Chicago’s starters would not play in the Hall of Fame Game. That includes former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.

Will the Houston Texans follow a similar path and rest C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins and those guaranteed to make the Week 1 roster? Although it’s expected, second-year coach DeMeco Ryans declined to confirm the stance.

“You guys will all see who will play on Thursday,” Ryans said following Tuesday’s practice. “I’m not going through a list of who is playing, who is not playing. I’m not going through that list. You guys will see who plays on Thursday.”

Chicago, which decided to move off Justin Fields after acquiring the No. 1 overall pick, will start second-year quarterback Tyson Bagent in Canton on Thursday night. While several rookies will play for the Bears, fellow first-round pick Rome Odunze isn’t expected to be one of them.

Could the same be said for second-round pick Kamari Lassiter? The Georgia cornerback might be a rookie, but he immediately flourished the second he arrived in Houston for the start of rookie minicamp with the first-team defense.

Multiple veterans praised Lassiter for his maturity coming from Georgia and consider him almost gameday-ready without even taking a snap outside of practice.

“[He’s] definitely the best young DB I’ve seen coming out of college that I’ve had the chance to go against,” receiver Noah Brown said Monday. “He’s very sticky in coverage, very confident in his ability and I think if he keeps on the pace that he’s at, he could have an elite rookie season and an elite career.”

While Lassiter might sit until next week’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the remaining rookie could see action, including fellow second-round pick Blake Fisher. Despite working with the first-team offense, Fisher technically is filling in for the injured Laremy Tunsil at left tackle.

Along with Fisher, other rookies looking to stand out include safety Calen Bullock, tight end Cade Stover, running back Jahwar Jordan, linebacker Jamal Hill and defensive tackle Marcus Harris. Ryans said he’s excited to see the first-year players finally get a taste of the NFL.

“You’ll see a lot of young guys vying for a spot to make it in the NFL,” he said.

Bullock, Houston’s third-round pick out of USC, mentioned that while he’s been training the past two weeks for Thursday’s game, mentally, it’s been on his mind for years.

“I’m excited. I’ve dreamed about this day,” Bullock said. “This day is coming up and now Thursday, it’s the first game for the preseason. Get to go out there in front of everybody. I know everybody is going to be watching. Football is back, so I can’t wait.”