Marvin Harrison Jr. makes immediate impact in Houston Texans debut with big win over Jaguars

Houston Texans wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) signals for a first down after fighting off Jacksonville Jaguars safety Eric Murray (29) for a reception during the first half of an NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle) Marvin Harrison Jr. didn't have much time to get acclimated to his new surroundings and his new teammates, but he still was thrown into the fire and produced after getting just a few practices under his belt.Harrison, who was traded from the Arizona Cardinals to the Houston Texans last Sunday, made three catches - all for first downs - for 34 yards in his new team's pivotal 34-31 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at London's Wembley Stadium.Harrison, who was targeted on four of the 12 snaps he played, told reporters after the win that the short week meant he went into his first game in Houston gear not knowing a large chunk of the Texans' playbook."Probably not even half, I can imagine," Harrison said. "We'll have to go back to the States and get back into the playbook."Once Harrison, who was acquired along with a sixth-round draft pick in exchange for a second- and seventh-round pick, got into town, he sat down with receivers coach Tiquan Underwood and the two met deep into the night learning as much of the playbook as he could before his first practice with his new team Wednesday. From there, Harrison worked with his old Ohio State teammate C.J. Stroud on what plays he could run. Days later, he was on the field in live action."The coaches did a good job of getting me a game plan that I could go out there and execute," Harrison said. "Talking to C.J. throughout the week, what plays we kind of like and we did a good job of executing this week."Harrison's first catch came midway through the second quarter and it was a tough one, grabbing a 14-yard pass over the middle and holding on despite a crushing blow from former Texans safety Eric Murray. Harrison jumped up after the big hit, which he said helped settle his nerves, to signal first down."Definitely nervous, but I'm nervous before every game, because I care so much about this game of football," he said. "After the first catch, I was pretty good to go."Marvin Harrison Jr. gets his first catch as a Texan HOUvsJAX on NFL Network Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/79N9CysaG5- NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2026Stroud went right back to his buddy on the next play, but Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones broke up what would have been at least a 16-yard gain inside the Jacksonville 5.Harrison's other two catches came on a touchdown drive that started off the third quarter. He picked up 14 yards on a catch over the middle that was a similar route to the one he ran for his first catch. Four plays later, Harrison made a key third-down grab for six yards that kept the drive alive."It felt like old times," said Stroud, who was Harrison's quarterback in the receiver's first two years at Ohio State. "I'm proud of him, happy for him … I thought he looked great. It looked like he was excited to be out there. I think we'll get him more touches and more plays in this season."Stroud mentioned another look in there for Harrison that could have been a touchdown, but the quarterback said he didn't see him in time.Those plays likely will develop in time, especially once Harrison gets more quality time with his playbook. The Texans next face the New York Giants at home before getting a fortunate bye week that will allow Harrison to log more study hours."It felt good," Harrison said. "I came here to help the team win games and we did that."Matt Young reported from HoustonSubscribeThere’s more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at Marvin Harrison Jr. makes immediate impact in Houston Texans debut with big win over Jaguars.