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Expansion Texans introduce themselves to NFL

CANTON, Ohio -- Okay, Houston Texans. Let's see if you're ready for some football.

The league's newest expansion team takes another historic step tonight, when the Texans make their preseason debut against the Giants in the Hall of Fame Game.

"It will be the first time anyone has seen the Texans," coach Dom Capers said. "Right now, nobody knows a thing about the Houston Texans."

We're about to learn. On prime-time national TV. In broadcaster John Madden's debut with partner Al Michaels in ABC's Monday Night Football booth. And against the Giants, a veteran team eager to put a 7-9 season behind them.

It would be understandable if the Texans were feeling a little pressure.

No time for that, though.

"You never know how fast you're going to progress, but the most important thing is you continue to progress," Capers said. "These guys have been working hard, and now they've got to get ready for the Giants.

"We don't have much time to sit around and evaluate this. We have to look forward to the next game."

Also ...

CFL: Two-time MVP Mike Pringle likely will miss the rest of the season for Montreal with a knee injury, leaving Lawrence Phillips as the Alouettes' primary running back.

ARENA LEAGUE: Chris Horn caught a 32-yard touchdown pass off the net with no time left to send host Arizona to the semifinals with a 61-59 win against Carolina.

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