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 Sports
- The 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Game is Thursday, August 1st
- See which Bears vs Texans starters are playing and which are resting
- Read 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 |
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.
The Hall of Fame Game is an annual NFL preseason matchup that kicks off the start of the football season. This year, the Chicago Bears will face off against the Houston Texans in Canton, Ohio. As both teams look to showcase their talent and prepare for the upcoming season, fans are eager to see how the starters and resting players will perform on the field.
For the Chicago Bears, all eyes will be on quarterback Justin Fields. The rookie out of Ohio State has been turning heads in training camp with his impressive arm strength and mobility. Fields is expected to see significant playing time in the Hall of Fame Game as he competes for the starting quarterback job with veteran Andy Dalton. Another player to watch on the Bears’ offense is running back David Montgomery, who had a breakout season last year with over 1,000 rushing yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Roquan Smith will be a key player to watch for the Bears. Smith is known for his speed and playmaking ability, and he will be looking to lead a strong defensive unit this season. In the secondary, cornerback Jaylon Johnson will be a player to keep an eye on as he looks to build on a solid rookie campaign.
As for the Houston Texans, all eyes will be on their new quarterback, Tyrod Taylor. With Deshaun Watson’s future uncertain, Taylor will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn the starting job for the Texans. Taylor is known for his mobility and ability to make plays with his legs, which could provide a new dynamic to the Texans’ offense.
On defense, defensive end J.J. Watt will be a player to watch for the Texans. Watt is a future Hall of Famer and one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. His presence on the field will be crucial for the Texans as they look to improve their defense this season.
While the starters will likely see limited playing time in the Hall of Fame Game, fans can expect to see some exciting matchups and potential breakout performances from players looking to make a name for themselves. As both teams look to make a statement in their first preseason game, football fans can look forward to an exciting matchup between the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans.