Report: Texans among 3 finalists for HBO's 'Hard Knocks'

The Houston Texans are among three teams in consideration to be featured on the upcoming season of the HBO show "Hard Knocks," John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The chosen team could be announced next week, according to McClain.

The other two finalists remain unclear, although Tony Grossi of ESPN is reporting that the Cleveland Browns are not one of them. Cleveland reportedly made its request to not appear on the show at the NFL meetings in March, and the league appears to be honoring that request.

"Hard Knocks" is a reality series that follows an NFL team through training camp and the preseason. The Texans have never been featured on the show and have reportedly turned down the opportunity in the past.

They won't have the option to turn it down this year. According to NFL rules, teams without a new head coach and that didn't make the playoffs in either of the previous two seasons can be compelled to appear on the show. The Texans fit that criteria.

Other teams that fit the criteria are Cleveland, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Minnesota, St. Louis, Washington, Tampa Bay and the New York Giants.