The pads aren't on yet, but football is officially back in Houston.
The Houston Texans kicked off their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, May 27, marking the first full-team on-field work of the 2026 offseason. While these sessions are non-contact and focused on installation and timing, they represent the true start of the competitive calendar for a franchise that has its sights set firmly on a deep playoff run.
Under the watchful eye of head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans have scheduled nine OTA practice dates across late May and early June, with mandatory minicamp slated for June 9-11. For a team that has aggressively retooled its roster this offseason, every rep matters.
Here's what we're watching as Houston takes the field for the first time as a group.
C.J. Stroud's Third-Year Leap
The most important player on the field is, without question, quarterback C.J. Stroud. Now entering his third NFL season, Stroud has already established himself as one of the league's premier young signal-callers. But with a new offensive coordinator in Nick Caley and a reshuffled supporting cast, OTAs are about building chemistry and refining timing.
Stroud has spent the offseason working with his new weapons, and these early practices give him a chance to build rapport in a controlled environment. The Texans' offense now features a different look in the backfield and an infusion of young talent at wide receiver. For Stroud, the goal is simple: get comfortable with his options before the bullets start flying in training camp.
The quarterback room remains solid behind him, with Davis Mills and Graham Mertz providing experienced depth. But make no mistake--this is Stroud's show, and the Texans will go as far as he can take them.
David Montgomery Brings a Different Edge
The most notable addition to the offense is running back David Montgomery, acquired via trade this offseason. Montgomery, who spent the last two seasons with the Detroit Lions, brings a physical, downhill running style that should complement the Texans' passing attack.
At OTAs, Montgomery will be working on pass protection and route timing--the non-contact elements that determine how quickly a running back can contribute in a new system. The Texans' running back room is deep, with British Brooks, Jawhar Jordan, and Woody Marks also on the roster. But Montgomery's track record suggests he'll be the featured back when the season begins.
What's interesting here is how offensive coordinator Nick Caley plans to deploy him. In Detroit, Montgomery was a workhorse who wore down defenses in the second half. In Houston, with a top-tier passing game, he might find even more favorable boxes. The early install work in OTAs will hint at how the coaching staff envisions using him.
Tank Dell's Road Back
One of the most anticipated storylines of the spring is the return of wide receiver Tank Dell. After suffering a significant knee injury in 2024, Dell has been rehabbing with an eye toward a full return. While OTAs are non-contact, his participation in individual drills and route-running sessions will be closely watched.
Dell was an electric playmaker before the injury, and his chemistry with Stroud was undeniable. The Texans have built a deep receiving corps in his absence--Nico Collins remains the alpha, while second-year Jayden Higgins and second-year player Jaylin Noel add young talent to the mix. Justin Watson provides veteran savvy, and Xavier Hutchinson is entering a pivotal third season.
But if Dell can return to form, this receiving group goes from good to dangerous. His ability to win from the slot and after the catch adds a dimension that no one else on the roster quite replicates. OTAs won't tell us if he's back to full speed--that won't be clear until padded practices--but seeing him move without limitation will be an encouraging first step.
New Faces Across the Roster
While the offense has drawn most of the headlines, the Texans have also undergone significant changes on defense and special teams. General Manager Nick Caserio has been aggressive in reshaping the roster, and OTAs mark the first opportunity to see how the new pieces fit.
On defense, the secondary has a new look. The addition of safety Reed Blankenship gives the Texans a versatile deep option alongside Calen Bullock and Jalen Pitre. At cornerback, Derek Stingley Jr. remains the anchor, but the arrivals of Alijah Huzzie and Jaylin Smith add competition and depth. The defensive backs coach will have plenty of options to work with as install begins.
The linebacker corps features a mix of familiar faces and new additions. Azeez Al-Shaair remains the heart of the unit, while E.J. Speed and Marte Mapu add experience and athleticism. Henry To'oTo'o continues to develop, and the competition for playing time will be fierce.
Along the defensive line, the Texans have a potent edge rush duo in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Logan Hall and Sheldon Rankins provide interior push, while rookie additions like Kayden McDonald add depth. The defensive coordinator Matt Burke will have the luxury of rotating fresh bodies in and out--a key to sustained success over a 17-game season.
Offensive Line Shuffle
One of the most critical areas to watch during OTAs is the offensive line. The Texans have remade the unit, adding veterans like Trent Brown and Braden Smith at tackle, while also investing in youth with Aireontae Ersery. The interior features Wyatt Teller, Ed Ingram, and Jarrett Patterson, giving the team a balanced mix of power and experience.
However, offensive line cohesion takes time. OTAs allow the group to work on communication and footwork without the chaos of live pass rush. For a new-look unit, these reps are invaluable. If the line can gel during the spring, it sets the stage for a dominant training camp.
Special Teams Reset
Don't overlook the special teams changes. The Texans have a new long snapper in Austin Brinkman and competition at punter between Kai Kroeger and Jack Stonehouse. Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn returns as one of the league's most reliable legs, but the operation around him has changed. Special teams coordinator Frank Ross will use OTAs to establish timing and consistency.
What OTAs Tell Us--And What They Don't
It's important to keep OTAs in perspective. These are non-contact, helmet-only practices designed for installation and fundamentals. No one is winning a starting job in May, and no one is losing one either. But OTAs reveal hints about scheme philosophy, player health, and early chemistry.
For the Texans, the key themes are clear:
Integration. How quickly do new players pick up the system? Can Montgomery handle the pass protection assignments? Are the rookie wide receivers on the same page as Stroud?
Health. Can Tank Dell move freely? Are the offensive linemen in shape and working together? Does the secondary show early communication?
Leadership. With a new offensive coordinator and several new starters, who steps up as the vocal leaders? Stroud's command of the huddle. Al-Shaair's energy on defense. The veterans setting the standard.
The Texans are a team built to win now. They have a franchise quarterback, an elite pass rusher, a shutdown corner, and a head coach who has already proven he can build a winning culture. OTAs are the first step in turning potential into performance.
The Road Ahead
After this week's sessions, the Texans will get a brief break before returning for the second phase of OTAs in early June. The schedule ramps up through mid-June, culminating in mandatory minicamp, typically held in the first full week of June. Then it's a summer hiatus before training camp begins in late July.
For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the work starts now. And while May practices won't decide the AFC South race, they set the tone for everything that follows.
The Texans are back on the field. The 2026 season has truly begun.