Fans of the Houston Texans traveling to Canton, Ohio, to watch the induction of All-Pro receiver Andre Johnson will also get to see the defending AFC South champs play an extra preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears.
In most circumstances, starters rest in Canton, allowing the newcomers to take center stage for the expanded reps. Then again, DeMeco Ryans is adamant about seeing his team see as much action as possible.
So, will reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud see the field come Thursday evening?
DeMeco when asked if CJ will play Thursday 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/S5W5l5isv2
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 29, 2024
“We’ll see,” Ryans said following Monday’s training camp practice.
Stroud, who took the NFL by storm in 2023 after throwing for over 4,000 yards, doesn’t need the extra reps. He continues to impress in practice throw after throw while working with receivers like Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell and Nico Collins.
Even if he were to see the field, the Texans must be precautious about his playing time. Stroud is the most vital player to Houston’s success if it plans on making it out of the divisional round for the first time in franchise history.
The Texans’ offensive line also at times has struggled running drills against the front seven in practice.
These are reps where the whistle will be blown before any chance of a tackle. That won’t be the case in Canton during live reps.
Even though the game is more of an exhibition matchup, Ryans mentioned that every opportunity to make plays is where Houston must grab by the horns head-on.
#Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud @CJ7STROUD to Tank Dell @Tankdell4 @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/e2lfA4V10M
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 29, 2024
“Any time we line up, it’s real. So, for the guys who are out there, it’s important,” Ryans said. “That’s the first thing that we have to understand that all these guys are vying for a spot on this team. They’re vying for a spot – a chance to play in the NFL and make it, so we don’t take it lightly.”
Right now, it’s hard to imagine seeing Stroud anywhere near the action, but fans will have their answer Thursday night.