VEGAS SPORTS REPORT: Raiders Face Texans as Defensive Questions Mount

Big questions loom over the Las Vegas Raiders defense as they head into tonight’s preseason matchup against the Texans in Houston.

Last week against the Arizona Cardinals, in their opening preseason game, Arizona quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew went 15-for-15, with three touchdowns, in the first half. The Raiders gave up 156 yards on the ground over the game.

And on Tuesday (Aug. 18), in a joint practice with the Texans, the run defense struggled again, as Houston backs Woody Marks and David Montgomery ate up sizeable chunks of yardage against the Raiders’ defense, according to media reports there.

Raiders Defense Under Microscope

Last week in their opening preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Raiders‘ secondary struggled early, giving up a 15-for-15 passing streak and three first-half touchdowns while surrendering 156 rushing yards overall.

On Tuesday (Aug. 18), during a joint practice session in Houston, the run defense was tested again as the Texans’ backfield broke off sizeable chunks of yardage.

The Raiders’ offense faced a tough test as well, going up against Houston’s first-unit defense—a group that ranked among the NFL’s best last season.

Game time tonight at NRG Stadium in Houston is 8:00 p.m. ET.

Quarterback Reps in Focus

Following Tuesday’s joint session, the coaching staff remained tight-lipped regarding exact playing time for the starting unit tonight.

“We’ll see,” the staff noted after practice. “I think we could have competed better. We’ve got lots to improve on.”

While specific snap counts for the primary starters have not been disclosed, backup and developmental quarterbacks are expected to see extensive action to earn valuable reps ahead of the regular season.

Texans Plan to Rest Starters

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans indicated that his first-stringers got the necessary workload during Tuesday’s joint practice and that Houston will rely primarily on its depth chart for tonight’s contest.

Golden Knights Getting Remix

The NHL, in collaboration with Fanatics, announced that a new third jersey option will be introduced for the upcoming season through its “Hometown Remix” initiative, giving the Vegas Golden Knights a fresh look.

The league plans to reveal full design details in the coming months, noting in a statement that the uniforms will “uniquely and authentically celebrate the fans, city, and local culture of each team.”

The Golden Knights will retain their signature gold home jerseys and white road sweaters while adding the new third design to their rotation.

Aces Fighting for Playoff Position

The Las Vegas Aces return to home court tonight at Michelob ULTRA Arena to host the Connecticut Sun, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT.

Sitting at 24-13, the Aces have already clinched a playoff spot but are looking to snap a two-game home losing streak. With only seven games remaining before the Sept. 24 end of the regular season, securing top-four seeding—and home-court advantage in the opening round—is the top priority.

Following a Tuesday (Aug. 18) loss to the Atlanta Dream, Las Vegas dropped to fourth overall in the WNBA standings, holding a narrow one-game lead over Atlanta. Guard Dana Evans remains sidelined for tonight’s matchup due to a leg injury.

Athletics Continue Building for the Future

The Athletics—set to relocate to Las Vegas for the 2028 MLB season—continue a challenging campaign, sitting at 49-78 at the bottom of the AL West.

The roster has been depleted by injuries to key young players expected to form the franchise’s foundation in Nevada, including Tyler Soderstrom, Shea Langeliers, Brent Rooker, and Nick Kurtz.

After giving up seven runs in the eighth inning during a 9-7 loss to the Kansas City Royals yesterday, the A’s return to the field this afternoon for a 2:10 p.m. ET matchup.

Stadium Construction Milestone

Off the field, local news confirmed yesterday (Aug. 19) that construction teams completed the second major steel truss arch for the team’s upcoming $2 billion Las Vegas venue on Tuesday (Aug. 18).

The next phase of construction will focus on the central and tallest arch—reaching 290 feet—which will serve as the primary structural anchor for the stadium’s roof.