Houston Texans vs Los Angeles Rams score, stats and summary for Preseason Week 3

On Saturday, the Houston Texans welcomed the Los Angeles Rams to the NRG Stadium for both teams' final preseason outing.

This was the fourth preseason match for the home team as they were part of the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears. The visitors were playing in their third, but first on the road.

With their regular season Week 1 fixture only 15 days away, both teams held back their starters and allowed their backups to impress before the final roster cuts on Tuesday.

While nothing was at stake, the two sides still managed to produce an entertaining contest.

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Texans vs Rams Preseason Week 3 Summary

Just three minutes into the game, the Rams opened the scoring after a muffed punt set them up at the Texans' 12-yard line. But a three-and-out forced them to settle for a comfortable 21-yard field goal attempt for kicker Joshua Karty, who split the uprights.

Around six-and-a-half minutes later, the Texans leveled the score after kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn converted successfully from 48 yards out. On the final possession of the first quarter, quarterback Tim Boyle drove the home team down the field to set up a 1st-and-10 at the 14-yard line.

The Rams' defense stood tall and forced a 4th-and-1, but the Texans opted to go for it. Boyle faked a run before tossing the ball to fullback Troy Hairston, who walked into the endzone for the game's first touchdown.

Seven minutes later, the Rams responded with a touchdown of their own. Zach Evans punched the ball into the endzone from four yards out after a methodical drive straight down the Texans' defense's heart. However, Karty missed the PAT kick, which kept the home team in the lead.

Neither team could find any rhythm for the majority of the third quarter. But the Texans finally managed to put a drive together toward the end of the period and threatened to extend their lead.

They did just that in the first minute of the fourth quarter, as Boyle and wide receiver Johnny Johnson connected for a 10-yard touchdown pass. This extended their home team's lead to eight.

Late in the fourth quarter, Evans rushed for another touchdown to leave the Rams one successful two-point attempt away from tying the score. However, they failed to convert and the Texans ran down the clock to secure the win.

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Texans vs. Rams Preseason Week 3 stats

Case Keenum started the game for the home side and did not impress much. He completed four of his eight pass attempts for 32 yards, before clocking out for the day. On the contrary, Boyle had a good outing, completing 19 of his 28 pass attempts for 142 yards and two touchdowns.

He made a case to climb above Keenum on the Texans' depth chart. Cam Akers led the rushing unit with seven carries for 53 yards, while Xavier Hutchinson was the leading receiver with four catches for 34 yards.

For the visitors, Winn's performance under center did little to improve his odds of displacing Jimmy Garoppolo or Stetson Bennett on the Rams' depth chart. He completed only nine of his 16 pass attempts for 72 yards. He'll likely be part of Tuesday's roster cuts.

Evans got a heavy workload as he carried the ball 14 times for 45 yards and two touchdowns. Veteran running back Boston Scott also got plenty of touches. He had 11 carries for 34 yards.

Only three Rams players caught passes from Winn against the Texans. Xavier Smith led the way with four catches for 34 yards, while Drake Stoops finished with three for 28 yards. Tight end Miller Forristall hauled in the other two pass completions for 10 yards.

Up next for the Texans is a trip to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Indianapolis Colts in their season-opener. The Rams will head to Ford Field to battle the Detroit Lions on the season debut of Sunday Night Football.