Texans vs. Lions: Top 6 bubble players to watch in preseason finale

Training camp is over for the Houston Texans.

Sixty minutes of action at Ford Field stand in the way of the preseason and Week 1, plus a slew of roster cutdowns, entering a showdown against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Week 1.

The Texans completed their final practice of the preseason on Thursday during joint drills with the Detroit Lions. As coach DeMeco Ryans put it, the scrimmage was a chance to see where the back-to-back AFC South champions "stack up” against last year’s NFC No. 1 seed.

There's a game to be played on Saturday morning, but most sights aren't on the starters. They aren't even on the high-profile second-team options like defensive end Darrell Taylor or wide receiver Xaiver Hutchsinon, who should be considered locks to make the active roster.

No, Saturday's game will be fixated on just a handful of players who could be cleared to make the team or cut following a return flight from Detroit. Who are the names to watch entering the final preseason showdown.

Here's our top six faces to remember.

WR Justin Watson 

Even after the trade of John Metchie III, the Texans are still likely parting ways with one receiver. Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins, Christian Kirk and Hutchinson should be considered locks up to this point.

That leaves two names on the outside looking in. Braxton Berrios offers upside as a return man and decent No. 4 pass-catcher. As for Watson, what's his selling point to stick around?

Crazier things have happened in Houston's history. Remember last season when Noah Brown was cut despite everyone believing he was a lock to make the team? Watson will have one more game to show he's a standout dpeth piece that offers high upside on special teams, thus giving him an edge of Berrios on the outside.

Let's say he makes a highlight catch or play on kickoff, Watson might force the Texans to keep him. That, or trade him to a receiver-needy team.

TE Irv Smith Jr.

With the arrival of Harrison Bryant, Houston probably has three tight ends locked up. Then again, it would be like Nick Caserio to cut a player just to gain back a draft pick that has more value.

Even if Bryant is cut, that doesn't promise Smith a spot. Brevin Jordan's season-ending injury opened up a roster spot, but the Texans like rookie Luke Lachey, who has impressed as a blocker. Last week, Smith led the Texans with five catches for 53 yards in the preseason win over Carolina.

The former second-round pick is a receiving threat first. He's a willing blocker, but there are some limitations to his overall stature. Should he show more potential this week, Lachey could clear waivers and return as a member of the practice squad.

FB Jakob Johnson

Houston is going to keep a fullback since Nick Caley's offense calls for it, but could British Brooks be the better option? While known for his physical downhill running style, the former North Carolina star also continues to make plays on special teams, especially kickoff as one of the top tacklers.

So, what does that mean for Johnson? Over the last two games, Brooks has been the better option. Last week, he scored a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to seal a win. Last week against the Vikings, it was a hit on kickoff coverage that shook up the role. As for Johnson, he's made little impact on offense and has yet to have that "it" moment.

Houston likely has room for five running backs, including the fullback. Johnson and Brooks both could technically fit the role, so whichever player stands out more on special teams is likely to land a spot on the active roster.

DE Solomon Byrd 

Much like Brooks, Bryd has been shining in his limited reps, ensuring that the coaches continue to pay attention to him in drills. Last week, the second-year defensive end notched four tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss, along with three recorded pressures.

But Bryd's role on the active roster comes with him actually standing out over a veteran. Derek Barnett is back and fully healthy, meaning he's a shoo-in to make the roster. The last spot perhaps comes down to Dylan Horton and the former seventh-round pick, which right now leans in favor of the latter after two preseason games.

Byrd will have to have a big game to for sure secure the fifth and final edge rusher spot on the depth chart. Even after that, the return of Denico Autry from the injured reserve could have Byrd back on the practice squad by Week 2.

LB Nick Niemann

The Texans signed Niemann for his special teams skills. So far, Jake Hansen has been the linebacker making the most plays on kickoff and punt coverage, meaning the former Bolt could be bolted elsewhere this offseason.

Niemann has impressed at times in drills, but so has second-year linebacker Jamal Hill. One of the two is a cheaper option with three years of roster control, while the other could be cut with little impact. Simply based on the contract, Niemann could be one of the casualties of cuts, so any strong performance on Saturday could help him avoid the dreaded pink slip.

DB D'Angelo Ross

Is this finally the year where Ross is gone for good? He's not the best depth at cornerback. He's struggled to impress on special teams. Last week, former first-round pick Damon Arnette made headlines for his interception and open-field tackle on kickoff coverage.

That's the selling point for Houston to buy stock in Arnette. Tremon Smith isn't going to offer much in coverage and is getting over $4 million a season. Should Arnette pick off another pass and Ross struggle in coverage, the former first-round pick likely intercepted a spot on the roster from Ross, thus ending a era of Texans' time.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans vs. Lions: Irv Smith Jr. headlines top bubble players to watch