Fans of the Houston Texans have not watched their beloved team play a game since January 9, 2016, when Brian Hoyer saw fit to defecate all over the playing surface at NRG Stadium in front of a national audience.

That was every bit of seven months ago, friends. It was a dark time. A time when Brock Osweiler was still a member of the Denver Broncos, whether he wanted to be or not. A time when Andre Johnson was only on his second AFC South team. A time when Gary Kubiak was not even a head coach who'd won a divisional round game, much less a Super Bowl.

Feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?

Tonight, in beautiful Santa Clara, the forced sabbatical ends. Your Houston Texans will take the field in live game action, albeit in an exhibition game and without several starters. After not seeing anything resembling real Texans football in 218 days, that's reason to celebrate.

This is your first open thread for the Texans' 2016 preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers. Share your observations, thoughts, and musings about all things Houston, Texan, and/or 49er in real time in the Comments below.

NOTE: Please do not post any images, videos, GIFs, or non-text comments in any of BRB's live game threads. They tend to slow the thread down and can take a long time to load. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

NOTE II: Due to the fast-paced nature of these threads, there will be no warnings before bans on game day. If a moderator deems a comment or user to be problematic, he or she will remove that person from the discussion for the good of the collective game day experience. If you're on the wrong side of the law today and want your posting privileges reinstated, please send an e-mail to one of us tomorrow.

Texans vs 49ers coverage

Niners Nation