Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans Starters – See Who’s Playing/Resting in Hall of Fame Game
by Brady Trettenero in NFL Football
Updated Aug 1, 2024 · 11:20 AM PDT
Nov 9, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY SportsThe 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Game is Thursday, August 1stSee which Bears vs Texans starters are playing and which are restingRead below for Bears vs Texans starters, resting players and injuries
The 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Game has arrived to officially kick off football season. This year’s matchup features the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans, two teams looking to make a statement in the upcoming season.
Both teams have made decisions about which players will take the field and which ones will be watching from the sidelines Thursday night. Among the marquee absences are starting quarterbacks Caleb Williams and CJ Stroud.
Here are the details about who’s expected to play and who’s likely to sit out, based on the latest reports and announcements from the teams
Jump to: Bears Resting I Bears Starters | Texans Resting | Texans Starters
Chicago Bears Confirmed Resting
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Caleb Williams | QB |
| Jonathan Owens | S |
| All other starters | Various |
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No Williams for Chicago
The Chicago Bears have made it clear that they will be resting all of their starters in the 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Game, including rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. This decision is not uncommon, as many teams choose to protect their key players from potential injuries in the preseason.
Safety Jonathan Owens will also be skipping the game to support his wife, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, as she competes in the 2024 Olympics.
Simone Biles now has the most Olympic Medals EVER for a USA Gymnast. The @ChicagoBears UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT when they gave her husband Jonathan Owens time off from training camp to be present in Paris FOR HIS WIFE in that moment. This was BIGGER THAN FOOTBALL. This is family pic.twitter.com/nMcB133aqr
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 31, 2024
While fans may be disappointed not to see the team’s stars in action, this move allows the coaching staff to evaluate the depth of their roster and give valuable playing time to backups and young players.
In the 2023 season, the Bears’ second-string players saw an average of 15% more snaps in preseason games compared to the starters. This extra playing time can be crucial for players on the roster bubble, as it gives them a chance to showcase their skills and make a case for a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Chicago Bears Expected Starters
Player Position Tyson Bagent QB Tyler Scott WR Velus Jones WR Bill Murray OL Dominique Robinson DE Austin Booker DE Reddy Wilcox CB Bagent Under Center
With the starters sitting out, the Bears will rely on a mix of backups, rookies, and players fighting for roster spots to take the field against the Texans. Quarterback Tyson Bagent, who started four games last season when Justin Fields was injured, will get the nod under center.
In those four starts, Bagent completed 61.3% of his passes for 859 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions, showing flashes of potential but also room for improvement. He’s part of the reason we are siding with the underdog in our Bears vs Texans prediction.
Back-up QB Tyson Bagent was asked if he thought about whether the #Bears would bring in a back-up QB to compete for his job and watch what happens next.
This kid is awesome!
(via @BarroomNetwork)pic.twitter.com/C03rQBSkk0
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 29, 2024
Wide receivers Tyler Scott and Velus Jones will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and build chemistry with Bagent. Jones, a third-round pick in 2022, struggled in his rookie season, catching just seven passes for 107 yards and no touchdowns. He’ll be looking to prove that he can be a reliable target.
On the defensive side of the ball, keep an eye on defensive ends Dominique Robinson and rookie Austin Booker, as well as cornerback Reddy Wilcox, as they look to make an impact and secure their places on the team.
Robinson, a fifth-round pick in 2022, showed promise in limited action last season, recording 0.5 sacks and four quarterback hits in 11 games. Booker, a fifth-round pick in 2024, has impressed coaches with his athleticism and pass-rushing potential.
Houston Texans (Likely) Resting
Player Position C.J. Stroud QB Case Keenum QB Laremy Tunsil LT Andrew Beck FB Joe Mixon RB Christian Harris LB Most other starters Various
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Stroud Likely OUT for Houston
Although the Texans have not officially confirmed their plans, it is expected that they will follow a similar approach to the Bears and rest most of their starters. This includes rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and veteran Case Keenum.
Stroud, the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is the future face of the franchise, and the Texans will likely want to protect him from unnecessary risk in the first preseason game. He’s currently +1000 in the NFL MVP Odds.
CJ STROUD IS THE STANDARD 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/FWS9aE2ftI
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 31, 2024
Left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who is recovering from knee surgery, is also unlikely to see any action. Other key players who may be held out due to injuries include fullback Andrew Beck (calf strain), running back Joe Mixon (soft tissue injury), and linebacker Christian Harris (soft tissue injury).
Mixon, acquired in a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason, is expected to be a significant contributor to the Texans’ offense. In his six seasons with the Bengals, Mixon rushed for 5,378 yards and 49 touchdowns, adding 1,444 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns.
While it may be frustrating for fans eager to see the team’s new additions in action, this cautious approach prioritizes the health and readiness of the team for the regular season. In the 2023 preseason, teams that rested their starters in the first game saw a 12% reduction in overall preseason injuries compared to teams that played their starters.
Houston Texans Expected Starters
Player Position Davis Mills QB John Metchie III WR Cade Stover TE Calen Bullock S Kamari Lassiter CB Experienced Mills Gets QB Nod
With the majority of the starters likely sitting out, the Texans will turn to their backups and young players to carry the load. Quarterback Davis Mills, who played extensively in the 2023 preseason, is expected to start and play a significant portion of the game.
Mills, a third-round pick in 2021, started 11 games as a rookie and showed promise, completing 66.8% of his passes for 2,664 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He’ll be looking to build on that experience and solidify his role as the primary backup to Stroud.
Tonight the Bears and Texans fanbases come together to appreciate what Davis Mills did for us 🫡 pic.twitter.com/4adGl3N2As
— Jacob (@Stroud4AllPro) August 1, 2024
Wide receiver John Metchie III, who continues to make strides after overcoming leukemia, will have the chance to prove himself and carve out a role in the team’s receiving corps. Metchie, a second-round pick in 2022, missed his entire rookie season while undergoing treatment.
Rookies Cade Stover (tight end), Calen Bullock (safety), and Kamari Lassiter (cornerback) will also see plenty of playing time as they look to make a strong first impression and compete for starting roles.
This game serves as a valuable opportunity for these young players to gain experience and show the coaching staff what they can bring to the team.
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