C.J. Stroud and offensive line looking comfortable together

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Today's starting lineup

It's only preseason, and it's only a handful of plays. But C.J. Stroud appears comfortable in Nick Caley's offense and the offensive line is starting to offer some protection. Jonathan M. Alexander looks at Saturday's win over Carolina and Sam Warren assesses the players on the bubble.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning’s headlines.

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) passes against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

A promising first start for C.J. Stroud in Nick Caley's offense

C.J. Stroud played his first game of the pre-season and looked comfortable under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley's offense.

Bubble watch: Competition for final roster spots at receiver, tight end and cornerback remains tight. Read More
Hat trick: C.J. Stroud caused a stir when he wore a Mariners hat as he arrived at NRG Stadium. But don't worry, Houston fans, he still loves Astros Read More

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros relief pitcher Enyel De Los Santos (65) claps out of getting out of the 11th inning during an MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Who is carrying the Astros? Enyel De Los Santos, Jason Alexander and Ramón Urías

As Houston Astros continue to slog through a season of injuries, they are finding ways to with a supporting cast of unheralded names.

Astros 5, Orioles 4 (12): Ramón Urías beats out a potential double play to score Carlos Correa and give Houston a win in 12 innings over the Orioles. Read More
Wishful thinking: Josh Hader's shoulder injury likely would keep him out of the regular season but he says he could be ready if Astros make playoffs. Read More
Injury report: Yordan Alvarez took 8 live at-bats against live pitching at the Astros' minor-league facility in Florida and will come to Houston on Sunday. Read More
No. 13: Billy Wagner, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this summer, is the 10th Astro to have his number retired. Read More

College Football

Quarterback Austin Carlisle runs with the ball during the University of Houston Spring Football game, held at the Carl Lewis International Complex on Saturday, April 19, 2025 in Houston.

Photo by: Raquel Natalicchio, Staff Photographer

The fastest QB in college football? It's UH freshman Austin Carlisle

Freshman Austin Carlisle's fleet feet give Houston coach Willie Fritz options on how to use his backup quarterback

Texas: Texas coach Steve Sarkisian was glad to see a largely mistake-free offense but the line remains a concern. Read More
Texas A&M: Tyler Onyedim transferred to Texas A&M after some recruiting from former Richmond Foster teammate Reuben Fatheree II. Read More

Little League World Series

Photo by: Caleb Craig, Associated Press

End of the road

Lamar fell to a team from Braintree, Mass. to end its trip to South Williamsport, Pa.

Houston Explained / Top 50

Nneka Ogwumike was a basketball legend at Cy-Fair High School and Stanford and now is a leader of the league at a key moment.

Photo by: Steph Chambers, Getty Images

Why Houston's Nneka Ogwumike is WNBA's most important figure at this moment

Nneka Ogwumike is the best girls high school basketball player to come out of Houston and a WNBA star, but her role as union chief during a key moment in league history will cement her legacy.