Strong is among the younger Patriots players who is expected to see some early action in Thursday's preseason opener against the Texans, Paul Perillo of the team's official site reports.
While head coach Bill Belichick hasn't specifically outlined his plans for who will play in Thursday, based on the way Tuesday's practice played out, the Patriots appear set to rest or limit a number of key players. As a result, the door could be open for the likes of Strong, fellow running back Kevin Harris, and receivers Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas to get some run with the team's reserve quarterbacks versus Houston. Though Rhamondre Stevenson is entrenched as the Patriots' top back, both Strong and Harris are competing for complementary work, with the continuing absence of Ty Montgomery (leg) having afforded the pair of 2022 draftees added opportunities in practice of late. While the 5-foot-10, 225-pound Harris is a candidate to spell Stevenson on early downs, Strong's speed could make him a change-of-pace asset this coming season.