Texans prep for first preseason game

HOUSTON – There was no case of the "Mondays" at NRG park. It's officially game week for the Texans. They open their preseason slate at the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night so the intensity of practice increased Monday.

"It was very fast-paced," said offensive tackle Duane Brown. "Obviously we weren't in pads today so it wasn't full tilt but it was very up tempo, very competitive. I think it was good for all of us."

Wide receiver Andre Johnson, running back Arian Foster and the team's number one overall pick Jadeveon Clowney all missed Monday's practice with day-to-day injuries. It's not clear if they will suit up for Saturday's game.

The younger players will receive the majority of the reps in Arizona. The expectations are high for rookie quarterback Tom Savage.

"I expect him to go out there and go 29 for 30, throw for 500 yards, not make a mistake," joked Texans' Head Coach Bill O'Brien. "The speed of the game will, and it will be for all the rookies, all the rookies it will be a whole different ball game. Very fast game, different looks will be thrown at them, as all rookies when he gets out there right away, he'll be nervous. He's got to calm the butterflies and do what he has been taught to do to this point and go out there and play football."

The Texans kick off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday against the Cardinals in Arizona.