New England Patriots vs. Houston Texans: Gonzalez, White, Boutte Rookie Debuts

New England Patriots' draft picks Christian Gonzalez, Keion White and Marte Mapu can start making their cases to earn starting job in Thursday's pre-season opener against the Houston Texans.

Let the 2023 NFL season begin! 

The New England Patriots host the Houston Texans Thursday night in the first of their three preseason games. This matchup is highlighted by a first look at the Patriots' (hopefully) improved offense under new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. 

However, head coach Bill Belichick insinuated that starters (namely quarterback Mac Jones) will not see a lot of action against the Texans.

“The players who are the least experienced will get the most playing time,” Belichick said. 

So while fans will have to likely wait to see how the offense may have improved in Jones' bounce-back year, they won't have to wait to see playing time for the Patriots' rookie class.

New England's rookie class is 12 players, including the nine chosen on the third and final day of the NFL Draft. Some face an uphill battle in terms of making the roster. Others, such as early selections Christian Gonzalez and Marte Mapu, could be making the case to earn starting snaps. 

New England's many roster hopefuls try to earn their spot before Aug. 29, when every NFL team must reduce its roster to no more than 53 players. New England's 16-player practice squad will then begin to form.

The Patriots defense will get an early look at No. 2 overall draft pick C.J. Stroud, who will start for the Texans. 

The former kings of the AFC East are still looking to capture their first division title since 2016. 

RECORDS: New England Patriots (0-0) vs. Houston Texans (0-0)

ODDS: New England is a 3.5-point underdog vs. the Texans.

GAME TIME: Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 7 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Gillette Stadium - Foxborough, Massachusetts

TV/RADIO: CBS, 98.5 The Sports Hub

THE FINAL WORD: An optimistic Belichick on the offense's install:

“We’ve got most everything in that we’re going to do. We’ve been through every situation on a practice field. We covered most of them in the stadium (last Friday) night. I mean, there’s always more to do, (but) we’ve covered all of the situations.

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