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Texans-49ers rewind: Five up, five down

Houston Chronicle | August 15, 2016

Related Topics: Aaron Wilson

The Chronicle's Aaron Wilson takes a look at 10 players after the Texans' win against the 49ers in the preseason opener.

  • Photo: Connor Radnovich, The Chronicle
  • Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
  • Hilliard has largely been forgotten in most conversations regarding the Texans' running backs, but he provided a tangible reminder about his upgraded skills. Leaner and quicker than a year ago when he showed more toughness than elusiveness, the former seventh-round pick from LSU rushed for a team-high 40 yards on a dozen carries and showed more wiggle than he had in the past. Hilliard also had a 17-yard reception. Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press / FR155217 AP
  • In a tight battle for a spot on the active roster or the practice squad, the wide receiver caught all three passes thrown to him for 52 yards. Lenz is undersized, but fast and sure-handed and has recovered from a minor injury that sidelined him for nearly an entire week of training camp. Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / u00a9 2016 Houston Chronicle
    Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
  • One of the fastest players on the roster, the undrafted rookie wide receiver from the University of the Cumberlands had a rough NFL debut. He muffed a punt return that was recovered by a teammate. He was targeted just once and had zero receptions. Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff / u00a9 2016 Houston Chronicle
  • Drafted in the fourth round to become the Texans' primary return specialist, Ervin mishandled a punt that was recovered by the Texans. He had a 28-yard kickoff return, but rushed for just four yards on one carry with a five-yard reception. Ervin will get more opportunities to establish himself on special teams and on offense. Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff / u00a9 2016 Houston Chronicle
    Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff
  • McKinney slipped to the ground in single coverage against 49ers tight end Vance McDonald, allowing a 43-yard touchdown pass. The talented inside linebacker still has some progress to make to become the three-down linebacker the Texans envisioned when they drafted him in the second round. Photo: Thearon W. Henderson, Stringer / 2016 Getty Images
    Photo: Thearon W. Henderson, Stringer
  • Usually reliable in pass coverage and as a run-stopping presence, the veteran strong safety had one of his worst games since rejoining the Texans last season. Demps whiffed on tackles in the open field and took poor pursuit angles. Demps is usually much more fundamentally sound than what he showed Sunday night. Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press / Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistribu
  • Starting at right tackle with Derek Newton sidelined with a strained hamstring, Lamm wasn't nearly as sound as he normally is in his blocking techniques. Lamm got overwhelmed by 49ers pass rusher Ahmad Brooks as he allowed him to sack starting quarterback Brock Osweiler for a loss of seven yards. The Texans need better pass protection from Lamm going forward. Photo: Frederick Breedon, Getty Images
    Photo: Frederick Breedon, Getty Images
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