Texans finalize a 53-man roster with Stroud as Week 1 starter, while Mills, Slovis and Mertz shape QB depth on a potential practice-squad path. Pierce headlines the backfield with Ogunbowale and Marks as grinders, and Mixon on NFI could preserve Pierce’s workload. Collins and Hutchinson anchor a crowded WR corps, Schultz leads a versatile TE group, and the line stabilizes behind Ersery and Howard. On defense, Anderson anchors the edge with Rankins and Settle inside, while Pitre and Gardner-Johnson patrol the back end as rookies and role players battle for spots.