It wasn't pretty by either side, but at least it's over now.
Houston Texans third-string quarterback Brett Rypien had two turnovers, including a sealing fumble with just over 20 seconds remaining in a 16-13 loss against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Friday night.
For the first time in franchise history, the Texans finish winless in the preseason.
A slop fest filled with turnovers by both teams for three quarters, Panthers rookie running back Miles Davis was the difference, as his 1-yard touchdown run with just over five minutes remaining was the difference of the evening. Carolina's offense was able to get into field goal range three times, setting up three kicks from Ryan Fitzgerald.
Early on, Davis Mills threw an interception
and struggled to build any rapport in the passing game during his four series of action. He was also sacked three times before eventually being replaced by Rypien.
Regular season up next. pic.twitter.com/4fAyjNyfMv
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 29, 2026
Rypien, who is trying to make the team as Houston's third-string option, completed 13 of 23 passes for 101 yards, including a late 6-yard touchdown pass to Zay Jones to bring them back within three. But after the defense got a three-and-out stop just before the two-minute warning, the offense stalled.
Rypien initially threw an interception on third down, but a pass interference call negated the turnover. Two plays later, Jeremiah Moon sacked Rypien and forced a fumble, which Cam Gill recovered to ice the game.
Defensively, several players looking to make the roster looked impressive. Solomon Byrd finished with four tackles and a pass breakup whiile veteran safety George Odum picked off Kyle Trask in the second quarter to set up a scoring drive for Ka'imi Fairbairn.
Rookie linebacker Aiden Fisher totaled a team-leading 12 tackles. Undrafted rookie defensive lineman Sabastian Harsh recorded the only sack.
The Texans will now trim the roster down to 53 by Sunday afternoon. After that, Houston will begin to prepare for the season opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 13.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Recap: Texans struggle offensively vs. Panthers, finish preseason 0-3 for first time in franchise history
