Overview
- Houston's defense dominated Carolina in Wednesday's joint practice, with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. repeatedly beating Panthers tackles and generating multiple sacks.
- Panthers quarterback Bryce Young completed 9 of 17 passes, threw two interceptions, and took several would-be sacks as protection repeatedly broke down.
- The Texans' C.J. Stroud played efficiently, finishing the session with accurate throws and two touchdown passes while the Texans' offensive line created consistent pockets.
- Houston suffered practice injuries when Braden Smith and Ali Gaye were carried off with lower-leg issues, creating immediate depth concerns for the Texans.
- Carolina will rest starters for Friday's preseason finale and use the next two weeks of film work to address tackle depth and quick-release protection before the Sept. 13 regular-season opener.