The Steelers missed another snap on the first play of their next possession, but fullback Jack Colletto recovered it for a 4-yard gain. However, Fields was sacked by Danielle Hunter on third down, forcing the Steelers to punt.

Houston completed a 22-yard return of Tank Dell’s punt and converted it into points when quarterback CJ Stroud, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, completed a 34-yard touchdown pass to Dell down the seam to give the Texans a 7-0 lead.

The Steelers left out outside linebackers TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, defensive tackle Cam Heyward, inside linebacker Patrick Queen and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on defense.

The Steelers began the next possession at their own 14-yard line after rookie Ryan Watts was flagged for holding the kickoff, but Fields moved the team to the Houston 36-yard line before being sacked again, ending the danger once again.

Kyle Allen came into the game after Fields left and led the Steelers from their own 27-yard line to Houston’s 1-yard line. But on third down and goal from the 1-yard line, Jonathan Ward was stopped and lost one yard. Allen’s pass on fourth down to a completely free Calvin Austin III in the far corner of the end zone sailed over the receiver’s head, causing the ball to be lost.

“The way the DBs were playing, I wasn’t sure if the DBs were going to go in and out and play their guys,” Allen said. “At the last second, they played him off and he threw the ball high. I just have to give him a better ball. I threw it too deep for him.”