Late Rally, Special-Teams Fireworks Highlight Thursday’s NFL Preseason Action

Raiders erase 17-point deficit in Houston; 49ers overwhelm Chargers at SoFi Stadium

The second week of the 2026 NFL preseason opened Thursday night with two dramatically different games. Las Vegas produced a last-minute comeback against Houston, while San Francisco controlled all three phases in a decisive victory over Los Angeles.

Raiders 22, Texans 20

HOUSTON — Aidan O’Connell directed a 96-yard touchdown drive in the closing minutes as Las Vegas erased a 17-point deficit and stunned Houston, 22-20.

The Texans built a 20-3 halftime advantage behind an encouraging opening series from C.J. Stroud, who completed 4 of 6 passes for 27 yards. Woody Marks finished that possession with a 20-yard touchdown run, while rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz later intercepted No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and returned the ball 80 yards for a score.

Mendoza completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards, but Las Vegas’ reserves steadily changed the game after halftime. O’Connell completed 15 of 24 attempts for 166 yards and capped the comeback with a one-yard touchdown run with 14 seconds remaining. Safety Devin Lafayette then intercepted Brett Rypien to preserve the victory.

The Raiders outgained Houston 400-219, with Mike Washington Jr. rushing nine times for 56 yards. Houston was held scoreless throughout the second half.

Turning point: Las Vegas’ final 96-yard drive, which transformed a 20-16 deficit into a last-second victory.

Star of the Game: Aidan O’Connell, Raiders — 15-of-24 passing, 166 yards and the game-winning touchdown run.
(Reuters recap, Raiders highlights)

49ers 41, Chargers 17

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — San Francisco received contributions from its offense, defense and special teams in a commanding 41-17 victory over Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium.

Starting quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Justin Herbert each played only one series. Purdy completed 4 of 6 passes for 29 yards, while Herbert went 1 of 2 for nine yards.

With the score tied at 3, Sincere McCormick broke loose for 37 yards and then powered across the goal line from seven yards out. Jacob Cowing delivered the night’s biggest play shortly afterward, fielding a punt at his own 17 and racing 83 yards for a touchdown that stretched San Francisco’s lead to 17-3.

The 49ers led 20-3 at halftime and finished with 146 rushing yards. Adrian Martinez added a nine-yard touchdown run and a 17-yard scoring pass to Jordan Watkins. Khalil Herbert also scored from one yard out. Los Angeles linebacker Junior Colson supplied the Chargers’ defensive highlight with a 16-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Trey Lance completed 10 of 16 passes for 73 yards and led Los Angeles with 42 rushing yards, but the Chargers struggled to sustain drives and contain San Francisco’s ground attack.

Turning point: Cowing’s 83-yard punt-return touchdown, which turned a competitive game into a two-score San Francisco advantage.

Star of the Game: Jacob Cowing, 49ers — His explosive punt return broke the game open and highlighted San Francisco’s strong special-teams performance.
(49ers team recap, Chargers team recap)

Thursday’s Results