Full Breakdown
Raiders Rally to 22-20 Preseason Win Over Texans
8/23/2026, 8:09:30 AM
Core Event: Raiders Overcome Early Deficit to Defeat Texans
On August 20, 2026, the Las Vegas Raiders erased a 17-0 early hole to beat the Houston Texans 22-20 at Reliant Stadium. The Raiders trailed 20-3 at halftime but scored 19 unanswered points in the second half, highlighted by a third-quarter rushing touchdown from rookie Dylan Laube.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Raiders 22, Texans 20.
- Quarterback play:
- Fernando Mendoza – 8/15, 86 yds, 1 INT, 42.6 rating.
- Aidan O’Connell – 15/24, 166 yds, 0 INT, three third-quarter TD drives.
- Rushing: Dylan Laube – 6 carries, 37 yds, 1 TD.
- Receiving: Jalen Nailor – 22-yard catch from Mendoza; Laube added a 14-yard reception.
- Defensive highlights: Texans LB Wade Woodaz recorded an 80-yard pick-six; Raiders limited Texans to 78 rushing yards after the second-team units entered.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Klint Kubiak praised the practice value of the joint-practice game and stressed the need for rapid improvement after the early mistakes.
On-the-Ground Reports
Reserve defensive tackle Fernando McCollum led the team with seven tackles (six solo) and multiple tackles for loss. Defensive back Treydan Stukes recorded four tackles, allowing only 13 yards on three catches. Wide receiver Jayden Higgins suffered a season-ending ACL tear, prompting Houston to sign veteran Zay Jones.
Why It Matters
The comeback gave second-string players a performance sample ahead of the roster cut-down day at the end of August. Positive outings from O’Connell and Laube bolster their cases for roster spots, while McCollum and Stukes support depth-chart decisions.
What’s Next
- Roster cut-down day (end of August) will determine which reserves make the 53-man roster.
- The Texans must address the loss of rookie receiver Jayden Higgins and evaluate third-string quarterback Brett Rypien after a lackluster preseason showing.
Verbatim Quote
- “Well, I'm so glad we got the practice against them. That was really important for our team to spend that time in Houston and get some really good work against a different scheme and a really good coaching staff.” — Klint Kubiak, head coach, Las Vegas Raiders
