For different reasons, it was a pivotal game Sunday for Texans offensive linemen Derek Newton and Greg Mancz.
Newton needed to show that he had recovered fully from a strained hamstring that sidelined him for the entire preseason. He started at right tackle during the Texans' 23-14 win over the Chicago Bears and held up well with no setbacks or obvious stamina issues.
"It felt pretty good," Newton said. "A little tired, but I definitely got into a rhythm. At first, I was a little rusty. I was trying to get my breathing right. Other than that, it felt pretty good.