Category: C.J. Stroud

Watch: Texans QB C.J. Stroud throws out first pitch at Astros game

The Houston Astros may want to call the Texans to rent C.J. Stroud as their next start on the mound.

C.J. Stroud might be the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback, but the team across town might need to borrow him for six frames in the not-so-distant future.

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, threw out the first pitch Monday night before the Houston Astros took on the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park. Much like in the 2022 World Series, the Braves would go on to win 6-1.

Houston’s pitching has been downright putrid to begin the year under new manager Joe Espada, posting a team ERA of 5.35. Stroud, who grew up playing all sports, but thrived on the gridiron and the hard court, delivered a perfect strike to first baseman Jon Singleton, though any professional big-league would have taken him yard before rounding the bases.

Unlike the Astros, the Texans are looking to progress following a breakout season behind Stroud, Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., and new coach DeMeco Ryans. Houston was one of the more aggressive teams in free agency, spending $178.5 million this offseason in guaranteed money,

Stroud, who became the fifth rookie passer in league history to throw for 4,000-plus yards in Year 1, should only benefit from a revamped offensive arsenal. The Texans not only re-signed tight end Dalton Schultz to a three-year extension, but also traded draft capital to acquire running back Joe Mixon and receiver Stefon Diggs. 

Last season, Stroud led the NFL in passing yards per game (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5). He was named a Pro Bowler, where his relationship began to grow with Diggs off the field. Anderson, whom the Texans traded up nine spots to acquire at No. 3, also earned a Pro Bowl nod after breaking J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record (7.0).

Maybe the duo could launch the Astros’ back up the leaderboards? Stroud would be a flamethrowing ace with time, and Anderson likely could compete with Yordan Álvarez at designated hitter.

Stroud and the Texans are back in the building for voluntary workouts. Next week, a slew of new players will join the franchise via the NFL draft.

Watch: Texans QB C.J. Stroud throws out first pitch at Astros game

The Houston Astros may want to call the Texans to rent C.J. Stroud as their next start on the mound.

C.J. Stroud might be the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback, but the team across town might need to borrow him for six frames in the not-so-distant future.

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, threw out the first pitch Monday night before the Houston Astros took on the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park. Much like in the 2022 World Series, the Braves would go on to win 6-1.

Houston’s pitching has been downright putrid to begin the year under new manager Joe Espada, posting a team ERA of 5.35. Stroud, who grew up playing all sports, but thrived on the gridiron and the hard court, delivered a perfect strike to first baseman Jon Singleton, though any professional big-league would have taken him yard before rounding the bases.

Unlike the Astros, the Texans are looking to progress following a breakout season behind Stroud, Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., and new coach DeMeco Ryans. Houston was one of the more aggressive teams in free agency, spending $178.5 million this offseason in guaranteed money,

Stroud, who became the fifth rookie passer in league history to throw for 4,000-plus yards in Year 1, should only benefit from a revamped offensive arsenal. The Texans not only re-signed tight end Dalton Schultz to a three-year extension, but also traded draft capital to acquire running back Joe Mixon and receiver Stefon Diggs. 

Last season, Stroud led the NFL in passing yards per game (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5). He was named a Pro Bowler, where his relationship began to grow with Diggs off the field. Anderson, whom the Texans traded up nine spots to acquire at No. 3, also earned a Pro Bowl nod after breaking J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record (7.0).

Maybe the duo could launch the Astros’ back up the leaderboards? Stroud would be a flamethrowing ace with time, and Anderson likely could compete with Yordan Álvarez at designated hitter.

Stroud and the Texans are back in the building for voluntary workouts. Next week, a slew of new players will join the franchise via the NFL draft.

C.J. Stroud breaks down thoughts on Texans’ trade for Stefon Diggs

C.J. Stroud was still sleeping when the Houston Texans traded for Stefon Diggs, but he’s wide awake on building a relationship in 2024.

C.J. Stroud was still asleep back home in Los Angeles when his phone started to ring. Multiple friends began to text him about how he felt. 

While in in daze, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year responded with a few ‘I’m good fam, how bout you’ texts before rolling back over to catch a few more minutes of slumber, 

Eventually, Stroud woke up, went to the bathroom, and brushed his teeth. There, he found out why everyone was asking how he was doing. They weren’t checking in, but rather wondering about his feelings toward the Houston Texans’ trade for Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs. 

“I was very excited,” a delighted Stroud said Monday at the start of voluntary workouts.

Traded to Houston in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, Diggs headlines as the new top target for the reigning AFC South champions. He won’t be alone in the passing attack for Stroud entering Year 2, but he is the most proven among those expected to compete for starting reps. 

Since 2015, Diggs has been one of the league’s top targets. He’s posted six consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns, dating back to his time with the Minnesota Vikings. In four years with the Buffalo Bills, the Pro Bowler hauled in at least 103 passes, including a league-leading 127 catches in 2020. 

“He’s been a great player in this league for a long time, well respected,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s been a great teammate, he’s been a leader, a captain. And, when you look at him and watch the tape … no one doubts the playmaker that he is.” 

With Diggs and new running back Joe Mixon in the fold, Houston looks poised to make a deep run for the postseason. Behind Stroud’s record-setting rookie campaign, the Texans won the AFC South for the first time in four years before pulling off the upset against the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round. 

Diggs, 30, won’t be the only top target at NRG Stadium like at times in Orchard Park for All-Pro quarterback Josh Allen. Nico Collins broke onto the scene with over 1,200 receiving yards last season. Rookie Tank Dell and veteran Dalton Schultz also posted stellar seasons amid a top-10 finish in the passing game. 

“I think we have a lot of potential,” said Stroud. “A ton of guys who have played a lot of meaningful ball. A lot of guys who can do different things with the ball, which is amazing.”

While Diggs finished with over 1,100 receiving yards last season, his production dipped in the second half. After posting five 100-yard games in the first six weeks, he never posted another triple-digit outing following the firing of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. 

In two combined playoff games, he finished with 10 catches for 73 yards. 

Those around the organization, including Ryans, believe Diggs is only getting started. He should be hungry entering a contract year after the Texans elected to void the final three years of a $102 million extension signed with the Bills in April 2022. 

“The guy has been an All-Pro player, he’s been a Pro Bowl player, over 1,000 yards for multiple seasons,” said Ryans. “So, we’re excited about adding Diggs to our team.”

Stroud, who became the fifth rookie passer to throw for over 4,000 yards in their first season, said he and Diggs first connected at the Pro Bowl back in February. He didn’t know at the time they’d later be partnering up for a Super Bowl run two months later. 

While Diggs hasn’t met with the media yet, he’s already built a rapport with Stroud and several other Texans’ teammates. The former No. 2 pick hosted Diggs, Dell, and third-year receiver John Metchie out in California to run drills before the start of workouts.  

“He has a lot of wisdom that he carries that I think he’ll spread to other guys,” Stroud said of Diggs. “He’s been reaching out to really everybody, and I think that whole room in general is going to be great. I think we’re all going to eat off each other.”

Entering next week’s draft, the Texans have the seventh-best odds to win this year’s Super Bowl, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

Texans TE Dalton Schultz says he wanted to re-sign because of C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz recently signed a three-year, $36 million extension to keep catching passes from C.J. Stroud.

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz enjoyed a great first season on the team alongside C.J. Stroud in 2023. The two established a great connection in Stroud’s first season and rode the rookie quarterback’s arm to the AFC South title and a first-round playoff win.

So when it came time to decide his future, Schultz told “The Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday that he always wanted to return to Houston because he wanted to continue to play with Stroud. He signed a three-year, $36 million deal this week to remain with the team.

“C.J.’s quickly cemented himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league,” Schultz said. “… That was a big part of me wanting to come back. I wanted to surround my guys like that. Guys that kind of galvanizes a football team and I think he absolutely does that.

“It’s a great time to be a Texan and I’m super excited to be back.”

Schultz finished the year with 59 receptions for 635 yards season and five touchdowns. Those numbers finished second, third and third on the team behind only wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell.

Stroud, meanwhile, went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after he completed 63.9% of his passes for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions. That ranked 11th, third, tied-for-sixth and tied-for-second among all rookie quarterbacks since the 1970 merger.

The veteran tight end went on to praise the rest of the team and the coaching staff in his interview with McAfee. From the sound of it, too, Schultz is all-in on what Houston can do in 2024 behind Stroud once more.

C.J. Stroud’s mom endorses possible Texans draft target

The Houston Texans could add one of C.J. Stroud’s former Ohio State teammates in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Houston Texans could reunite quarterback C.J. Stroud with one of his former Ohio State teammates in the 2024 NFL draft.

No, we’re not talking about wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., though. Tight end Cade Stover, who played the past five seasons with the Buckeyes, met with the Texans at the NFL combine in Indianapolis this past week and said it would be “unbelievable” to play with Stroud again.

That news caught the attention of Stroud’s mother, Kim, who posted a short message in support of Stover after the news that he met with the Texans.

“Yes,” Stroud wrote. “Great player, great family!”

Stover caught 77 passes for 982 yards and 10 touchdowns over the past two seasons for the Buckeyes. With Stroud alone, Stover finished with 36 receptions for 406 yards and five touchdowns. He actually began as a linebacker and defensive end for his first two college seasons before he switched to tight end full-time in 2021.

The 6-foot-4, 255-pound tight end is projected to be one of the top tight ends drafted this spring, according to Pro Football Focus, and NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson. He’s likely a Day 2 pick who could be taken in the third round.

An Ohio State reunion would be nice, but not necessarily one the Texans need for 2024. Houston just re-signed starting tight end Dalton Schultz and have a breakout candidate in Brevin Jordan as his backup who flashed at times in 2023. Stover’s snapshare would be severely limited behind both Schultz and Jordan.

Houston could roster three tight ends, but likely not at the expense of a Day 2 pick. The Texans have other needs across the roster – especially on defense – that they’ll look to solve with draft picks in April.

C.J. Stroud named a top-3 QB by Florida State WR Keon Coleman

Top 2024 NFL draft prospects already believe C.J. Stroud is one of the best quarterbacks in NFL.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud’s popularity is gaining steam with NFL draft prospects.

Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman named Stroud one of the three best quarterbacks in the league right now alongside Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.

Stroud put together a sensational rookie season in Houston that culminated in the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award for the No. 2 pick. He threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Stroud also completed nearly 64% of his passing attempts.

The Texans don’t have a huge need a wide receiver with Nico Collins and Tank Dell, but Coleman could be on their draft board this spring after Stroud said he liked Coleman this past year. Houston met with the Florida State wideout at the NFL combine after he finished the season with 50 receptions for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns. Coleman could be an option for Houston in the first round at No. 23 or in the second round at No. 59.

Draft aside, this is yet another example of Stroud being named alongside some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He’s already a top-five MVP candidate for 2024 and some pundits have already predicted he’ll win the award.

Texans’ C.J. Stroud ranks 13th in PFF grades among QBs in 2023

C.J. Stroud has already established himself one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL.

C.J. Stroud proved in 2023 he is already one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL in just his first season with the Houston Texans.

He finished the season first in passing yards per game, first in interception rate, eighth in passing yards and 13th in passing touchdowns. Stroud also finished as the 13th-graded quarterback in 2023, per Pro Football Focus. His aggression helped Stroud’s cause, as he led the league in percentage of passing attempts past the sticks at 46.7% and paced in the 87th percentile with a 94.7 PFF grade on those throws.

Stroud did all this with a first-time offensive play-caller in Bobby Slowik, two young pass-catchers in Nico Collins and Tank Dell and a quality offensive line. His prowess in the pocket culminated in an AFC South title, a playoff win and the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The 13th-rated quarterback isn’t a moniker to hang his hat on, but it’s a good starting point for a young and ascending quarterback. Stroud will start 2024 with a full season of experience under his belt with the same staff and – potentially – major upgrades either on the offensive line or with skill position players.

Watch: C.J. Stroud throws ridiculous TD pass to Ja’Marr Chase in Pro Bowl

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is lighting up his first Pro Bowl.

The 2024 Pro Bowl is underway and C.J. Stroud has returned to doing C.J. Stroud things.

After a phenomenal rookie year for the Houston Texans that is likely to earn him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, Stroud decided that the hardware and an AFC Playoff win wasn’t enough.

He’s been dominant during his second-quarter appearance for the AFC Pro Bowl team under coach Peyton Manning and, on his second drive, showed off what makes him so special.

The rookie quarterback rolled to his left against pressure and fired a dime into the endzone for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. It was a throw that originally had the announcers wondering if it would be complete and instead left no doubt.

Here’s another angle:

The ball placement specialist has transitioned seamlessly to the NFL and Houston fans can watch one last glimpse of his dominance on ESPN before transitioning to the 2024 off-season.

Stroud threw a touchdown pass to Los Angeles Chargers Keenan Allen earlier in the Pro Bowl, too.

Texans vs. Titans final injury report: QB C.J. Stroud doubtful

The Houston Texans dropped their last Week 15 injury report, and QB C.J. Stroud is doubtful with a concussion.

The Houston Texans released their final injury report Friday as they prepare to engage the Tennessee Titans Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time for Week 15 at Nissan Stadium.

The only change from Thursday’s injury report is that DT Maliek Collins (chest) went from being limited to a full participant.

Rookie QB C.J. Stroud was a non-participant as he is in concussion protocol. Stroud is doubtful for Sunday.

DE Will Anderson (ankle) and LB Blake Cashman (hamstring) did not participate and were ruled out. CB Tavierre Thomas (hamstring) also did not participate and was ruled out.

WR Nico Collins (calf) and OT George Fant (hip) were also non-participants but were labeled questionable.

Also joining the questionable designation were WR Noah Brown (knee), RG Shaq Mason (calf), LB Henry To’oTo’o, who were also limited.

K Ka’imi Fairbairn (right quad), LT Laremy Tunsil (knee), and TE Dalton Schultz (hamstring) were full participants.

For more information on the Titans’ injury report, check out the Titans Wire.

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Texans vs. Titans Thursday injury report: LT Laremy Tunsil full participant

LT Laremy Tunsil was the only change for the Houston Texans on the second injury report for Week 15.

The Houston Texans released their second injury report Thursday as they gear up to face the Tennessee Titans Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time for Week 15 at Nissan Stadium.

The only change from Wednesday’s injury report is that LT Laremy Tunsil (knee) was upgraded to a full participant.

Rookie QB C.J. Stroud was a non-participant as he is in concussion protocol.

DE Will Anderson (ankle), LB Blake Cashman (hamstring), WR Nico Collins (calf), OT George Fant (hip), and CB Tavierre Thomas (hamstring) were also non-participants.

WR Noah Brown (knee), DT Maliek Collins (chest), RG Shaq Mason (calf), LB Henry To’oTo’o, WR Robert Woods (rest) were limited.

K Ka’imi Fairbairn (right quad) and TE Dalton Schultz (hamstring) were full participants.

For Tennessee, DL Denico Autry was a limited with a knee injury. QB Will Levis was a full participant with an ankle injury.

For more information on the Titans’ injury report, check out the Titans Wire.

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