DETROIT — Kyle Allen threw a 33-yard, go-ahead touchdown pass late in the first quarter to rookie Isaac TeSlaa, solidifying their roles with the Detroit Lions in a 26-7 loss against the Houston Texans in the preseason on Saturday.

Allen has established himself as Jared Goff's backup, beating out Hendon Hooker , and TeSlaa earned a spot in the receiver rotation behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

Texans rookie Graham Mertz, meanwhile, made a bid to earn a spot on a 53-man roster or at least an invite to be on a practice team.

Mertz, a former Florida and Wisconsin quarterback, was 14 of 16 for 145 yards with a 6-yard touchdown pass to former Lions receiver Quintez Cephus in the second quarter. He ran two times for 20 yards.

Kedon Slovis, who was on Houston's practice squ

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