Two former Alabama high school stars warmed up for the NFL regular season with touchdowns in the 49th and final game of the league’s 2023 preseason on Sunday night.

Houston wide receiver Nico Collins (Clay-Chalkville) caught a 3-yard touchdown pass in the Texans’ 17-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

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Collins’ only reception of the game came on the first pro touchdown pass by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who joined Houston on April 27 as the second player picked in the 88th NFL Draft. It came with 7:17 left in the first quarter and provided the first points of the game.

After the game, Houston coach DeMeco Ryans announced Stroud would start the Texans’ season-opening game.

Jameis Winston (Hueytown) started at quarterback for the Saints. He completed 11-of-16 passes for 93 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Winston left the game after throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jimmy Graham as New Orleans tied the game at 7-7 with 14:20 left in the first half.

As the Texans’ leading returning receiver, Collins is slated for starting duty in his third NFL season. Winston began the past two seasons as the Saints’ starting quarterback, but he’ll be backing up Derek Carr when the 2023 campaign begins.

In addition to Collins and Winston, eight other players from Alabama high schools and colleges got on the field in New Orleans on Sunday night:

· Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) started at defensive end for the Texans.

· Saints wide receiver Kawaan Baker (South Alabama) had two receptions for 17 yards.

· Texans defensive tackle Byron Cowart (Auburn) made one tackle.

· Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (Alabama A&M) had a 26-yard punt return.

· Christian Harris (Alabama) started at linebacker for the Texans. Harris made three tackles.

· Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard (Monroe County, Alabama State) did not play. Howard is recovering from a broken hand.

· Texans wide receiver John Metchie III (Alabama) did not play.

· Saints safety Smoke Monday (Auburn) made one tackle.

· Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o (Alabama) made three tackles.

· Jimmie Ward (Davidson) started at safety for the Texans. Ward made one tackle.

· Texans offensive tackle Kilian Zierer (Auburn) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.

New Orleans and Houston open their regular-season schedules at noon CDT Sept. 10. The Saints face the Tennessee Titans at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, and the Texans take on the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.