Stroud has thrown for 959 yards on deep passes (20+ AY) this season, the most by a rookie in the NGS era

Stroud completed all 6 passes for 48 yards & TD under pressure in Wk 17 | Season-high 57.1% SR

Stroud averaged a season-low 5.3 air yards per attempt in his return from injury in Week 17 vs Titans

C.J. Stroud's 75-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins traveled 59.2 yards in the air, the longest completion by air distance of Stroud and Collins’ careers.

C.J. Stroud generated a perfect passer rating (158.3) on play action passes against the Colts in Week 18, completing 6 of 7 such passes for 143 yards and a touchdown.

A look at C.J. Stroud's most improbable completions of Week 18 against the Colts.

Wins Offensive Rookie of the Year

Stroud was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: The result isn't all that surprising after Stroud posted a 23:5 TD:INT while averaging 8.2 yards per attempt in his rookie season. Perhaps even more impressive was the role he played in the Texans' seven-win improvement from the 2022 campaign. Stroud bested other impressive performances from rookies, including Bijan Robinson, Puka Nacua, Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Overwhelmed in playoff loss

Stroud completed 19 of 33 passes for 175 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Saturday's 34-10 loss to the Ravens. He added three rushes for nine yards.

Analysis: In contrast to his performance in his playoff debut, Stroud looked overwhelmed for much of the loss and could not consistently move the ball. He started reasonably well by racking up 82 passing yards in the first quarter but ultimately averaged just 5.3 yards per attempt, with the team's only touchdown coming on a punt return. Despite the disappointing close to his rookie campaign, Stroud was impressive overall by throwing for 4,108 yards with a 23:5 TD:INT across 15 regular-season games. That…read more

Three touchdowns in playoff win

Stroud completed 16 of 21 passes for 274 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in Saturday's 45-14 win over the Browns.

Analysis: Stroud was impressive in his playoff debut, particularly considering the Browns allowed only 164.7 passing yards to opponents during the regular season. He connected on five passes of more than 20 yards, highlighted by 76- and 37-yard touchdown passes. The only thing that slowed him down was the context of the game, as the Texans built up a three-score lead by midway through the third quarter. As a result, Stroud attempted only five passes in the second half and was pulled on Houston's first…read more

Leads Texans to postseason

Stroud completed 20 of 26 passes for 264 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in Saturday's 23-19 win over the Colts. He added three rushes for 20 yards.

Analysis: Stroud finished off his impressive rookie season with an outstanding performance in a must-win game. He delivered a deep strike to Nico Collins on the Texans' first play from scrimmage for a 75-yard touchdown and capped off an eight-play, 57-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown pass just before halftime. Stroud finished the regular season with a 23:5 TD:INT while averaging 8.4 yards per attempt and will lead the Texans into the postseason -- potentially as the AFC South division champs.

Victorious in return

Stroud completed 24 of 32 passes for 213 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 26-3 win over the Titans.

Analysis: Stroud returned from a two-game absence caused by a concussion and led the Texans to a needed victory to keep their postseason hopes alive. He threw for his touchdown early in the second quarter on a 12-yard completion to Brevin Jordan and connected on four passes of at least 15 yards. This wasn't Stroud's most impressive performance of the season, but the stout Texans defense ensured the offense didn't need to be aggressive to secure the win.

Practices fully, cleared for Week 17

Stroud was a full practice participant Thursday and confirmed that he'll start Sunday's game against the Titans after clearing concussion protocol, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Analysis: Stroud was unable to practice in any fashion in Weeks 15 and 16 after sustaining the concussion in a Dec. 10 loss to the Jets, but he's made rapid progress in his recovery over the past few days. After missing a second straight game in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Browns, Stroud was back on the field Wednesday as a limited practice participant, with head coach DeMeco Ryans noting that the quarterback had reached "Phase 4" of the five-step protocol. Stroud then took another step forward Thursday…read more

Clears concussion protocol

Stroud has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and is expected to start Sunday's game against the Titans, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Stroud has missed two straight games, but he returned to practice as a limited participant Wednesday and has since cleared the remaining phase of the five-step protocol one day later. Barring any setbacks in his recovery from the concussion in the next few days, he'll be available to direct the Houston offense this weekend in a game that's pivotal to the 8-7 Texans' playoff chances.

Limited in return to practice

Stroud (concussion) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Analysis: Stroud has missed two straight games, but the quarterback's return to practice in some capacity has him trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans. Per DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com, head coach DeMeco Ryans relayed that Stroud is in "phase four" of the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, which suggests that the signal-caller has made considerable progress in his recovery after failing to practice in any fashion in Weeks 15 and 16.

Practicing Wednesday

Stroud (concussion) was present for practice Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Analysis: Stroud, who suffered a concussion in the Texans' Week 14 loss to the Jets, has missed two straight games, but the quarterback's return to the field for the first practice of the week bodes well for his chances of returning to the lineup Sunday against the Titans. The extent of Stroud's practice participation won't be known until Houston releases its first Week 17 injury report later Wednesday.

Expected back at practice

Stroud (concussion) is expected to practice Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Stroud looks set to take the field Wednesday in some fashion for the first time since entering the concussion protocol during the Texans' Week 14 loss to the Jets. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said over the weekend that Stroud has been taking part in team meetings and is progressing in his recovery from the brain injury, but the quarterback's upcoming return to practice would represent the first tangible step forward as he navigates the protocol. In addition to attaining full clearance for contact,…read more

Could return Week 17

Stroud (concussion), who is already ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns, is making progress in his recovery and could be ready to return to action Week 17 versus the Titans, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: The Texans appear to have some optimism about Stroud's chances of fully clearing the NFL's five-step concussion protocol in time to return Week 17, but the team will undoubtedly continue to take a cautious approach with the standout rookie. In the immediate future, with Stroud missing a second straight game, Case Keenum is set to draw another start versus Cleveland on Sunday, with Davis Mills available as his primary backup.

Won't play Sunday

Stroud (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Analysis: Stroud wasn't able to practice in any fashion this week, and though head coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday that the quarterback's condition was improving, the rookie will ultimately miss a second straight game. Case Keenum will make another start Sunday in place of Stroud, while Davis Mills serves as Keenum's backup. Stroud will target a return to action Week 17 against the Titans on Dec. 31, but his potential availability will be contingent on him clearing the five-step protocol for brain…read more

Still not practicing

Stroud (concussion) wasn't spotted on the field at Friday's practice, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Stroud didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday either, so the signal-caller's continued absence Friday is a likely indication that he'll miss a second straight game Sunday against the Browns. The Texans' final Week 16 injury report will be released later Friday and will clarify whether Stroud has any chance of playing Sunday. If Stroud is once again sidelined, however, Case Keenum would be in store for another turn as Houston's starting quarterback.

Misses another practice

Stroud (concussion) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Stroud, who is in the NFL's concussion protocol, also missed Wednesday's practice and is trending toward missing his second consecutive game Sunday against the Browns. If Stroud remains sidelined this weekend, Case Keenum again would be in line to fill in at QB for the Texans in Week 16.

Held out of practice

Stroud (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Stroud hasn't practiced since entering concussion protocol during a 30-6 loss to the Jets in Week 14, and multiple reports have suggested he's unlikely to play in the Texans' upcoming game Sunday against Cleveland. The rookie quarterback still has a few days to clear the five-step protocol prior to Sunday's game, but his chances of playing this week aren't looking promising at the moment. The Texans seem to be preparing Case Keenum for another start in Stroud's stead.

Likely out for Week 16

Stroud appears likely to miss a second straight game Sunday against the Browns while he remains in the concussion protocol, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Stroud hasn't been officially ruled out for Sunday's contest yet, and he could end up carrying a questionable or doubtful tag into the weekend if he manages to make some progress through the five-step protocol during the week. However, Stroud isn't expected to practice Wednesday and probably won't be anything more than a limited participant if he's cleared to get back on the field Thursday, so the Texans appear set to prepare Case Keenum for another start. While Stroud was sidelined for last…read more

Ruled out for Sunday

Stroud (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Analysis: With Stroud not traveling to Tennessee for the contest, he'll target a potential return to action Dec. 24 against the Browns. In his absence Sunday, either Case Keenum or Davis Mills will draw the start, with Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston indicating that Keenum is expected to get the assignment over Mills. Look for added context on that front to arrive closer to Sunday's 1:00 ET kickoff.

Deemed doubtful to face Titans

If Stroud (concussion), who is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Titans, isn't available this weekend, either Davis Mills or Case Keenum could start in his place, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN reports.

Analysis: When Stroud -- who didn't practice this week -- was forced out of last Sunday's 30-6 loss to the Jets in the fourth quarter, Mills closed out the contest for the Texans. However, Bien-Aime indicates that Mills and Keenum split practice reps this week, and when asked Friday if Mills would start if Stroud can't, coach DeMeco Ryans replied, "Both guys have prepared this (whole) week, just like every position, everybody's prepared." In any case, look for added context regarding Stroud's status (and…read more

Doubtful for Sunday

Stroud (concussion) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Analysis: The Texans are leaving the door slightly ajar for Stroud to make a miraculous late recovery after missing practice throughout the week. The much more likely scenario entails Stroud being listed as inactive ahead of Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff, with Davis Mills then stepping in as the starter and Case Keenum taking the backup QB role.

Not practicing again

Stroud (concussion) wasn't spotted during the media-access portion of Friday's practice, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Stroud, who is in the NFL's concussion protocol, didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, so at this stage it appears as though Davis Mills is trending toward starting Sunday's game against the Titans. In any case, the Texans' upcoming injury report will reveal whether the door is open at all for Stroud to potentially play Week 15.

Still not practicing

Stroud remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and isn't practicing Thursday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Stroud has yet to log any on-field work since exiting this past Sunday's 30-6 loss to the Jets with the concussion, leaving him with just one more opportunity to practice ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said he's "hopeful" about Stroud clearing the protocol ahead of Sunday's contest, but at this stage of the week, No. 2 quarterback Davis Mills appears to be trending toward making his first start of…read more

Not practicing Wednesday

Stroud (concussion) wasn't spotted at practice Wednesday, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Stroud, who remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, has two more opportunities to log practice reps ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans. If Stroud is unable to gain clearance for Week 15 action, Davis Mills would be in line to start at quarterback for the Texans.

Remains in protocol Monday

Coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday that Stroud remains in concussion protocol, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Ryans confirmed that Stroud has been diagnosed with a concussion. The team is likely to take a cautious approach with its rookie quarterback, even in the midst of a heated playoff race, so Stroud seems unlikely to suit up for Sunday's game in Tennessee. Stroud's participation level in practice will offer insight into how quickly he's progressing through the concussion protocol, but if Stroud fails to gain clearance before Sunday, Davis Mills would be in line to make his first start of the…read more

Concussion confirmed

Coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed following Sunday's 30-6 loss to the Jets that Stroud is in the NFL's concussion protocol, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Analysis: Per the report, Stroud will be evaluated as the coming week progresses, but at this stage his status for next Sunday's game against the Titans is uncertain. If Stroud is unavailable for Week 15 action, Davis Mills would be in line to draw the start at QB versus Tennessee.

Evaluated for concussion

Stroud, who left Sunday's game against the Jets, is being evaluated for a possible concussion.

Analysis: Prior to his fourth-quarter exit from the contest, Stroud had completed 10 of 23 passes for 91 yards. With the Jets up 27-6, Stroud is presumably done for the day. In his absence, Davis Mills is in at QB for the Texans.

Briefly leaves game

Stroud was checked for concussion symptoms and missed two plays during Sunday's 22-17 win over the Broncos, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Stroud was a bit wobbly after being helped up following a 3rd-and-1 quarterback sneak during the fourth quarter and left the game to be checked. Davis Mills replaced him under center for two plays before Stroud re-entered the contest. It was the second time this season that Stroud was checked for symptoms, but he's missed just three plays. Mills handed off to Dameon Pierce and completed an 18-yard pass to Nico Collins before heading back to the sidelines. Stroud took a number of shots Sunday,…read more

Efficient in Week 13 victory

Stroud completed 16 of 27 passes for 274 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 22-17 win over the Broncos. He added six rushes for 11 yards.

Analysis: Stroud turned in another exceptionally efficient performance, averaging 10.1 yards per attempt on the strength of two completions over 50 yards and two additional gains of over 20. The only downside to his performance was his lack of touchdowns, as he failed to record multiple scores for the first time in his last four games. Nevertheless, Stroud has quickly proven to be one of the more efficient quarterbacks in the league and has topped 270 passing yards in five consecutive contests.

Over 300 yards, three total TDs

Stroud completed 26 of 36 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Jaguars. He added six rushing attempts for 47 yards and one touchdown.

Analysis: One drive after having what would have been a 62-yard connection to Tank Dell called back on a penalty, Stroud found Dell for a seven-yard touchdown to get the Texans on the board in the second quarter. Stroud ran one in himself from one yard out in the third quarter, then threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins in the fourth. Houston got the ball back after Collins' touchdown and Stroud led an 11-play, 50-yard drive that culminated with a missed 58-yard field goal from Matt Ammendola.…read more

Leaves game briefly

Stroud was replaced by Davis Mills for one play during Sunday's 21-16 win over Arizona in Week 11.

Analysis: Stroud took a hit from the Cardinals' Jalen Thompson on a blitz early in the third quarter and stayed down briefly. Despite the quarterback's protestations, Houston trainers took him to the sideline, but Stroud returned one play later and threw a bullet to Tank Dell for 18 yards on third-and-17. Stroud appeared to be okay and finished the game without incident, but after the offense amassed 333 yards and scored three touchdowns in the first half, Houston was shut out in the second half and…read more

Struggles with INTs in win

Stroud completed 27 of 37 passes for 336 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in the Texans' 21-16 win over the Cardinals on Sunday. He also rushed once for minus-1 yard.

Analysis: Stroud and the Texans were in the relatively unfamiliar position of trailing after one quarter, but the standout rookie signal-caller helped erase that deficit with an impressive 40-yard scoring dart to Tank Dell in the second quarter, which was preceded by a 20-yard scoring toss to Dalton Schultz in the opening period. However, Stroud, who appeared to be on pace for an even bigger day at halftime, slowed down some in the second half partly due to a pair of interceptions, although neither…read more

Another standout performance Sunday

Stroud completed 23 of 39 passes for 356 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the Texans' 30-27 win over the Bengals on Sunday. He also rushed twice for eight yards and a touchdown and lost two fumbles.

Analysis: Stroud went into enemy territory and helped the Texans continue to defy expectations with the fourth 300-yard effort of his nascent career. The rookie did throw multiple interceptions for the first time and was separated from the ball twice, but he impressively adapted to not having top receiver Nico Collins (calf) by pivoting to Noah Brown (7-172-0), Dalton Schultz (4-71-0) and Tank Dell (6-56-1). The second overall pick also got plenty of help from a career-best 150-yard rushing day from…read more

Sets rookie record in wild win

Stroud completed 30 of 42 passes for 470 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions while adding a 10-yard two-point conversion run in the Texans' 39-37 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday. He also committed a fumble that was recovered by Houston.

Analysis: Stroud's yardage tally was a new NFL rookie single-game record, and the second overall pick fittingly accomplished the feat on an improbable six-play, 75-yard game-winning drive in the final 45 seconds of the contest. Stroud hit Tank Dell for a 15-yard game-winning touchdown pass with six seconds remaining to cap off the march, a play preceded by a perfect 26-yard sideline throw to the rookie wideout. As his final numbers indicate, Stroud eviscerated the Buccaneers pass defense throughout the…read more

Disappointing numbers in loss

Stroud completed 16 of 24 passes for 140 yards in Sunday's 15-13 loss to the Panthers. He added 13 rushing yards and a touchdown on two carries.

Analysis: The 140 passing yards were a season low for Stroud, while this was the first time he'd failed to toss a TD since his Week 1 NFL debut. The second overall pick in this year's draft has seen his yardage total decline in three straight games, suggesting the league's defensive coordinators might be developing a book on the young QB, but Stroud could bounce back in Week 9 against a Buccaneers defense that had given up the third-most passing yards in the league coming into Sunday.

Throws first interception in win

Stroud completed 13 of 27 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 20-13 win over the Saints. He added three rushing attempts for two yards.

Analysis: Stroud threw his first career interception on Houston's second possession, ending his streak of passes without being picked off at 191. The Texans actually retained the ball on the play because Saints linebacker Zack Baun fumbled after recording the interception, and Stroud capitalized on the second chance by finding Dalton Schultz for a one-yard touchdown six plays later. He added a six-yard touchdown pass to Robert Woods in the second quarter. The second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has…read more

Nearly pulls off comeback

Stroud completed 20 of 35 passes for 249 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions and rushed once for two yards in the Texans' 21-19 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: Stroud remained mistake-free for the fifth time in as many NFL games, breaking Dak Prescott's record for most consecutive pass attempts without an interception to start a career. It briefly appeared Stroud had led Houston to its third win when he hit Dalton Schultz for an 18-yard touchdown pass with 1:49 remaining to cap off an 11-play drive. However, Desmond Ridder was able to lead Atlanta back down the field for an eventual game-winning field goal, but Stroud turned in another solid, albeit…read more

Sharp in win over Steelers

Stroud completed 16 of 30 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 30-6 win over the Steelers. He added 16 rushing yards on four carries.

Analysis: The rookie quarterback connected with Nico Collins for TDs in the first and fourth quarters while playing error-free football all afternoon. Perhaps the most impressive stat for Stroud was that he took zero sacks from a Pittsburgh pass rush headed by T.J. Watt despite working behind an offensive line missing both starting tackles and down to a third-string center. Stroud has a 6:0 TD:INT through his first four NFL games, giving him plenty of confidence heading into a Week 5 road clash with the…read more

Masterful in upset victory

Stroud completed 20 of 30 passes for 280 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the Texans' 37-17 win over the Jaguars on Sunday. He also rushed three times for 14 yards.

Analysis: While the Dolphins' 50-point drubbing of the Broncos arguably qualified as the most eye-catching score of the early window of games Sunday, the Texans' 20-point road victory that Stroud spearheaded has to qualify as a close second. The rookie looked like anything but an inexperienced player while facing a defense that had given Patrick Mahomes and his squad plenty of trouble in Week 2, not taking any sacks or committing any turnovers while connecting with eight different pass catchers. Stroud…read more

Practices fully Friday, will play

Stroud (shoulder) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's Week 3 game against the Jaguars.

Analysis: Stroud practiced in full Friday and will continue to play through his minor shoulder issue. Playing from behind all afternoon in Week 2, Stroud threw for 384 yards and two touchdowns. He's not yet a fantasy QB1 but has positioned himself on the back end of the QB2 map.

Managing shoulder injury

Stroud (shoulder) is close to 100 percent healthy despite having his reps limited in practice during the week, Deepi Sidhu of the Texans' official site reports.

Analysis: Stroud intends to play Sunday against the Jaguars, though he may carry an official injury designation into the game, just as he did in Week 2 against the Colts before throwing for 384 yards and two touchdowns. The Texans plan to manage the rookie quarterback's practice reps moving forward to keep the shoulder from worsening. Stroud played through a similar injury at Ohio State in 2021.

Logs full practice Thursday

Stroud (shoulder) was a full practice participant Thursday.

Analysis: Stroud was listed as a limited participant Wednesday, but his full participation a day later sets the stage for him to start Sunday's game against the Jaguars. Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle relays that Stroud, who dealt with shoulder soreness last week, feels almost "100 percent," and barring any setbacks, the rookie shouldn't face any limitations Week 3. Two games into the season, Stroud has thrown for 626 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions to go along with seven…read more

Listed as limited Wednesday

Stroud (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: Stroud threw for 384 yards and two touchdowns on 47 attempts while playing through shoulder pain in Sunday's 31-20 loss to Indianapolis. With no report of the rookie having suffered any setbacks, he'll likely suit up again Week 3 at Jacksonville even if he remains limited at practice Thursday and/or Friday. Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports that Stroud didn't throw much during Wednesday's practice, mostly working on handoffs with the running backs instead.

Outstanding yardage total in loss

Stroud completed 30 of 47 passes for 384 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the Texans' 31-20 loss to the Colts on Sunday. He also rushed three times for one yard and committed two fumbles, losing one and recovering the other.

Analysis: The turnover and shaky ball security wasn't completely surprising considering Stroud was missing four starting offensive linemen overall, but the rookie signal-caller persevered through constant pressure and a sore shoulder he entered the game with to put together an excellent statistical performance during which he showed good command of the offense. Stroud connected with Nico Collins (eight yards) and Tank Dell (23 yards) for touchdown passes in the first and fourth quarters, respectively,…read more

Cleared to start Sunday

Stroud (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Colts.

Analysis: Added to the injury report Friday after he was a limited participant in the Texans' final Week 2 practice session due to soreness in his (right) throwing shoulder, Stroud took a questionable tag into the weekend. As anticipated, Stroud was able to warm up earlier Sunday without any major restrictions, so he'll get the green light to make his second career start. The rookie signal-caller will be working behind a depleted offensive line, however, as left tackle Laremy Tunsil (knee) is inactive,…read more

Expected to play Week 2

Stroud (shoulder) is expected to suit up for Sunday's game against the Colts, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Stroud popped up on Friday's injury report and is officially listed as questionable for Week 2 with a sore throwing shoulder, but the Texans don't believe the issue is serious enough to keep the rookie quarterback sidelined Sunday. Official word on Stroud's status will come around 11:30 a.m. ET, when the Texans release their inactive list approximately 90 minutes prior to Sunday's kickoff. In his NFL debut in the Texans' Week 1 loss to the Ravens, Stroud completed 28 of 44 passes for 242 yards…read more

Iffy for Week 2 with shoulder issue

Stroud is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts after being a limited participant in practice Friday due to a right shoulder injury.

Analysis: Stroud had been off the Texans' injury report all week until he was added Friday on account of the shoulder issue. it's unclear if Stroud entered Friday's session already nursing the injury or if he hurt his shoulder at some point during practice instead. Regardless, fantasy managers considering the rookie quarterback in Week 2 lineups are now advised to track his status ahead of Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. In the event that Stroud is unable to play, the Texans would be left with Davis Mills…read more

Solid in pro debut

Stroud completed 28 of 44 passes for 242 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed four times for 20 yards in the Texans' 25-9 loss to the Ravens on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: The rookie finished with some very serviceable numbers despite relatively sparse preseason playing time, and the fact he did it against such a formidable defense was especially impressive. Stroud's one turnover did lead to three Ravens points, although Houston was already down 13 in the fourth quarter at the time. The rookie second overall pick connected with nine different targets overall, which may have been one of the most encouraging aspects of his performance. With the seal now officially…read more

Officially named Week 1 starter

Coach DeMeco Ryans named Stroud the Texans' Week 1 starting quarterback after Sunday's preseason win over the Saints, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Stroud didn't see much volume during Sunday's preseason finale, but he completed two of four pass attempts for 16 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. The touchdown was his first of the preseason, and the rookie No. 2 overall pick will officially begin the 2023 season under center for Houston. In total, Stroud completed 11 of 20 passes for 89 yards, a touchdown and an interception over his three preseason games. Stroud has some rushing potential, but his 2023 fantasy upside is limited…read more

Scores quick TD

Stroud completed two of four pass attempts for 16 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's preseason finale against New Orleans.

Analysis: Stroud started Houston's first two offensive drives Sunday, finishing his brief appearance with a touchdown pass to Nico Collins after going three-and-out on the team's first possession. The promising rookie has been operating the first-unit offense all preseason despite not being officially named Week 1 starter by head coach DeMeco Ryans. Assuming this pattern holds true, Stroud will make his first regular-season start against the Ravens on Sept. 10.

Sunday start on tap

Stroud is slated to start Sunday's preseason finale against the Saints, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The assignment will mark Stroud's third straight exhibition start, and the rookie signal-caller is expected to log about two series' worth of action, according to Drew Dougherty of the Texans' official site. Once Stroud gets his reps in against New Orleans, he'll turn his focus to preparing for Houston's Sept. 10 regular-season opener against the Ravens.

Starts first half Saturday

Stroud completed seven of his 12 pass attempts for 60 yards and no touchdowns or turnovers in Saturday's preseason loss to Miami.

Analysis: Stroud got to play the entire first half in his second preseason start while incumbent Davis Mills (10-for-22, 94 yards) entered after halftime, all but confirming that the former will start under center for Houston. The second-overall pick from this year's draft did not post a gaudy line, but it was a marked improvement over his first start where he completed just two passes while throwing a pick. Stroud will now attempt the difficult ask of developing as a rookie starter -- with a rookie head…read more

Draws Saturday start

Coach DeMeco Ryans said Thursday that Stroud will start Saturday's preseason game against the Dolphins, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Stroud, who also started the Texans' preseason opener against the Patriots, has been taking full first-team reps for almost two weeks, according to Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle. Though Houston's Week 1 starting signal-caller hasn't been confirmed, Pelissero suggests that this weekend's assignment represents one more step for the second overall pick in this year's draft being Houston's No. 1 QB.

Picked off in preseason debut

Stroud completed two of four passes for 13 yards and an interception in Thursday night's 20-9 preseason-opening win over the Patriots.

Analysis: Stroud started in his first NFL action and was sacked and picked off on the opening drive. The second pick in this year's draft played only two series before giving way to Davis Mills, who completed nine of 12 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown and lost a fumble. Stroud should get more playing time next Saturday against Miami.

Named starter Thursday

Stroud will start Thursday's preseason opener against the Patriots, per coach DeMeco Ryans, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Stroud will make his NFL debut Thursday. The second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is competing with Davis Mills for the starting quarterback job in Houston, but considering Stroud has been receiving the vast majority of recent first-team reps, the starting spot is his to lose.

Gets all first-team reps

Stroud took all the first-team reps Saturday for a second consecutive day, Deepi Sidhu of the Texans' official site reports.

Analysis: Stroud and Davis Mills had been splitting first-team reps each day during 11-on-11 drills, but that pattern changed Friday and Saturday. "With C.J., what I've seen is he's definitely made adjustments," Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans told Sidhu after Friday's session. "He's getting the ball out quick, he's making the proper reads." This could be a sign that Ryans plans to have Stroud start Thursday's preseason opener against New England.

Commanding the huddle

Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans noted Stroud's "command of the huddle" as an area of progress for the rookie quarterback, John McClain of SportsRadio 610 reports. "With college players now, a lot of it is looking to the sideline, and they see a signal or a picture, and that's their play," Ryans said. "But here, we're asking them to operate from a huddle, which is new."

Analysis: Stroud continues to share first-team reps with Davis Mills, and Ryans mentioned a few areas of improvement before anointing the rookie as the No. 1. The coach referenced Stroud's footwork and progressions, which are things he's working on with coaches. Ryans made it a point to keep Stroud from being overwhelmed by giving him one thing per day to work on instead of multiple items.

Not No. 1 QB yet

Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans is not yet ready to name Stroud the starting quarterback, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. "When that time comes it's going to be the best guy that I feel like is going to lead our team in a proper way," Ryans said.

Analysis: Stroud, the Texans' second overall pick in the 2023 Draft, and Davis Mills, entering his third NFL season, are sharing first-unit reps in the early days of camp. That's a scenario that will likely persist through the first preseason game against New England, per Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle. Stroud had a couple of key moments during Thursday's session, including a touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Schultz on a two-minute drill that came after an interception on the previous series.…read more

Working with first unit

Stroud is getting first-team reps this week, though coach DeMeco Ryans suggested Davis Mills will continue working with the starters as well, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Analysis: The Texans are rotating first-team reps by week, rather than by day, giving Stroud and Mills the opportunity to throw to starters in consecutive practices. While Ryans downplayed its significance, it's certainly not a bad sign for Stroud that he's the one leading the way at June minicamp, the final team activities before training camp begins in late July. The No. 2 overall pick won't be simply handed the Week 1 starting job, but he is being given every chance to prove he's ready for the…read more