Nfl Preseason Lineup Updates Tonight: Who's In, Who's Out For August 20

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NFL preseason key player statuses are front of mind tonight as Week 2 of the exhibition season arrives.

See who's in and who's out when the Raiders take on the Texans and the 49ers battle the Chargers on Thursday, Aug. 20.

NFL preseason lineup updates for August 20

NFL Preseason Week 2 roster notes for Thursday, Aug. 20

Raiders at Texans

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans did an about-face not long after a season-ending injury to wide receiver Jayden Higgins was revealed, going from intending to play his starters in Week 2 to resting the vast majority of them. As a result, Houston stars like C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter should all be expected to either make brief cameos or sit this one out entirely.

It's been a frustrating training camp for 38-year-old quarterback Kirk Cousins, so he may be afforded some snaps tonight to allow himself to get into a rhythm. However, one to two possessions later, Fernando Mendoza is expected to relieve him.

Check out our full Raiders vs. Texans predictions.

49ers at Chargers

Is the 49ers' injury bug contagious? That's what the Chargers have to be wondering following Tuesday's joint practice session.

Tyler Biadasz, Quentin Johnston, and Kyle Kennard all suffered injuries to varying degrees, with Biadasz staring at a season-ending malady.

It's not all bad news for L.A. fans though, as Justin Herbert is expected to make his first, and possibly only, preseason appearance of 2026. But don't blink, as head coach Jim Harbaugh has said Herbert will run the first-team offense for exactly one drive.

The 49ers are already navigating the muddy injury waters this year, with Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle among the high-profile names on the shelf just hoping to make Week 1.

However, Brock Purdy is expected to get the start and manage the offense for a series or two.

Check out our full 49ers vs. Chargers predictions.

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