Tag: C.J. Stroud

Watch: Texans RB Joe Mixon continues Pro Bowl season with epic TD run vs. Cowboys

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon scored his longest touchdown of the season on the opening drive against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Houston Texans scored two touchdowns on the opening drive at AT&T Stadium, but only one counted.

Running back Joe Mixon continued his strong start to his first season with the Texans and broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run.

Houston scored on its opening play, looking to get Nico Collins involved early. Collins returned from a five-game hiatus due to a hamstring injury. He took a screen pass to the end zone, but Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil was downfield, so the play was brought back.

The 45-yard touchdown run is Mixon’s longest score of the season and the second-longest run of the year. The former Pro Bowler had a 50-plus-yard run against the New England Patriots in his first game back from an ankle injury.

After the penalty brought back the touchdown, C.J. Stroud completed passes to Dalton Schultz, Robert Woods and John Metchie III.

The Texans are losing to end a two-game losing streak on primetime.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud ready for first showdown with Cowboys DE Micah Parsons

A rivalry could be brewing between Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud called Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons more than a friend. The second-year passer said Parsons is more like family and considers him “definitely a brother.

On Monday, Parsons, a favorite to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will play the role of bully older brother when trying to bring down Stroud behind the line of scrimmage at AT&T Stadium.

Good. Stroud wants Monday’s matchup to be a challenge.

“All that stuff is fun, but we will both be locked in and ready to win on Monday and ready to do our jobs to get a victory,” Stroud said Thursday of the matchup.

Once opponents in the Big Ten at Ohio State and Penn State, Parsons and Stroud first bonded when the latter appeared on the defensive end’s podcast “The Edge.” That transformed into a weekend of draft coverage with Bleacher Report.

Eventually, the two’s friendship went international as part of the ambassadors of the American football program. Stroud and Parsons visited  Beijing and Shanghai in China and Toyko in Japan while conducting football clinics.

It was there a friendship formed to brotherhood.

“(We’re) always messing with each other, always trying to one up one another,” Stroud said. “I have that relationship with my friends back home, too. I had my buddy (in Asia); he had his friend who came from home. We all just had a brotherhood when we left.”

Parsons and Stroud have something to play for beyond bragging rights. Houston (6-4) is coming off back-to-back losses after blowing first-half leads and has lost three of its last four games.

Dallas (3-6), which will be without Dak Prescott for the remainder of the season, plans on making a late push to the playoffs behind the defense’s backbone. Parsons serves as the captain. In his return last week, he recorded two sacks and a forced fumble.

“You can tell they have been dinged up a little bit,” Stroud said of the Cowboys’ defense. “Micah was a big part of that. His presence was felt against the Eagles last week.”

Stroud hasn’t gone up against Pasons in his career, but he respects his craft in a similar regard to teammate Will Anderson Jr., calling both players “relentless pass rushers” when trying to reach the quarterback.

“He is what I see in Will and what I see from those guys from the sideline, where I’m like, ‘Man, I am glad I am not on the other team,’ ” Stroud said. “He is that guy where you have to be like, ‘We’ve got to do something for this dude.’ “

Parsons has become a face of the NFL’s defensive corps. Stroud has transformed into one of the league’s top passers.

Monday will mark the first time the Texans and Cowboys have played since 2022. That December, Stroud was preparing for a College Football Playoff semifinal at Ohio State.

He now plans on winning for Houston. Maybe the NFL will transform the Lone Star Showdown into an annual rivalry with the two frienemies as headliners? 

“This will hopefully be one of many matchups,” Stroud said. “I wish him the best, and I always wish him the best.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 pm. The game will be nationally televised on ABC and ESPN. 

All 32 NFL quarterbacks (including C.J. Stroud) ranked by Total QBR

Here’s where C.J. Stroud stacks up in terms of QBR entering Week 11’s showdown with the Dallas Cowboys

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud needs a rebounding performance following Sunday’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions. 

Stroud, a once favorite to win the league’s MVP honors, completed 57.6% of his passes for  233 yards and a touchdown against two interceptions. After guiding Houston to a 23-7 lead at halftime, Stroud completed 39% of his throws for 68 yards and had two interceptions in the third quarter, with one occurring in the end zone on a touchdown pass intended for Tank Dell. 

Stroud posted a Total QBR rating of 32.9 in the loss, bringing his season-long Total QBR average to 54.8.

That’s a slight undergrade from last week’s rating (57.6), but Stroud has dropped from being ranked No. 18 last week up to No. 19 this week.

Nix’s traditional passer rating this season is 89.1, which ranks 19th overall.

Unlike a traditional passer rating, the Total QBR “incorporates all of a quarterback’s contributions to winning, including how he impacts the game on passes, rushes, turnovers and penalties,” according to ESPN.

The metric takes into account scenarios that a traditional passer rating overlooks and considers “a team’s level of success or failure on every play to provide the proper context and then allocates credit to the quarterback and his teammate to produce a clearer measure of quarterback efficiency.”

With that context in mind, here’s how Stroud stacks up against the NFL’s other starting quarterbacks this fall.

NFL QBs ranked by Total QBR after Week 10

  1. Lamar Jackson: 76.9
  2. Kyler Murray: 75.7
  3. Joe Burrow: 74.3
  4. Jayden Daniels: 71.2
  5. Josh Allen: 70.3
  6. Patrick Mahomes: 67.7
  7. Brock Purdy: 66.6
  8. Jalen Hurts: 64.3
  9. Derek Carr: 61.3
  10. Jameis Winston: 61.0
  11. Justin Herbert: 59.6
  12. Matthew Stafford: 59.5
  13. Russell Wilson: 59.5
  14. Kirk Cousins: 57.9
  15. Baker Mayfield: 55.9
  16. Jordan Love: 55.5
  17. Drake Maye: 55.2
  18. Sam Darnold: 54.7
  19. C.J. Stroud: 54.6
  20. Bo Nix: 54.4
  21. Jared Goff: 54.2
  22. Geno Smith: 52.3
  23. Aaron Rodgers: 52.0
  24. Tua Tagovailoa: 50.3
  25. Daniel Jones: 46.3
  26. Caleb Williams: 38.4
  27. Gardner Minshew: 37.8
  28. Anthony Richardson: 37.6
  29. Bryce Young: 32.7
  30. Will Levis: 31.8
  31. Cooper Rush: 24.8
  32. Mac Jones: 11.4

Stroud and the Texans will hit the road to take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11 on ‘Monday Night Football’ at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

The game will be nationall televised on ABC and ESPN.

How popular is Texans QB C.J. Stroud? Jersey sales have a say

C.J. Stroud has gained more national praise as the Texans continue to show up on primetime television.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is the top name in the NFL. 

Well, as a passer, he’s usually regarded as one of the 10 best quarterbacks. 

When it comes to jersey sales, he wins the crown. 

The NFL on Tuesday announced the top 10 jersey sales for 2024, entering November as the holiday season. Stroud’s No. 7 Texans jersey tops all other players between April 1 and Oct. 1.

Even with the inconsistent play on the field, Stroud’s status from a nationwide perspective continues to grow. Ask any fans on the AFC South franchise which jersey they’re saving up for and the better question would be which jersey color they will be donning with the No. 7 attached to the back. 

Quarterbacks owned the top five, per usual. Chicago Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and Washington Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels all ranked inside the top five. 

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year before his season-ending leg injury, came in at No. 4. 

Rounding out the top 10 included Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb, Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson and Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.

Why is Stroud so popular? For starters, his allegiance to California likely carries weight, leading to a majority of fans from Los Angeles saving up to buy his gear. 

There’s also the Ohio State crowd showing support for his college day. Stroud, a two-time Heisman finalist, nearly led the Buckeyes to the national championship twice, including a College Football Playoff appearance in 2022 against Georgia.

Stroud’s also just a likable person who continues to appear on the primetime stage. With the Texans’ matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football this week, it’ll mark the fourth consecutive week Stroud has played in the standalone window this season. 

Houston also will have two standalone games against the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens next month, bringing the total to seven games. The Texans also remain the favorite to win the division despite losing three of their last four outings.

In September, Stroud landed atop the NFL Players Association’s top 50 player sales list for all officially licensed products sold after being the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023.

In 10 games, Stroud has completed 62.9% of his passes for 2,731 yards and 12 touchdown passes against six interceptions. 

Where are the Texans picking in the 2025 NFL draft after Week 10?

The Texans remain in the playoff hunt, but they’re inching closer to a higher draft pick following Week 10’s home loss against the Lions.

The Houston Texans are thinking of the postseason, but change is needed on the offensive line if the AFC South leaders plan on winning a Super Bowl.

After Kenyon Green suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 9’s 21-13 loss against the New York Jets, conversations began on the future of the left guard spot. Juice Scruggs was serviceable in a Week 10 loss against the Detroit Lions, but the former second-round pick is better suited to play center.

The same goes for Jarrett Patterson, who likely will remain the starting center moving forward into Week 11’s matchup on Monday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Interior offensive linemen usually fall in the draft, given their value compared to tackles. Barring a trade of four-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, Houston should be content with its book ends.

Either second-round pick Blake Fisher or veteran Tytus Howard should take over at right tackle in 2025.

Howard, who inked a three-year extension before the 2023 season, could also shift inside to guard, leaving a hole at right guard in place of the struggling Shaq Mason. Houston could part ways with the veteran lineman since he’ll be paid up on all his guaranteed money from the extension signed in 2023.

If the Texans target a lineman in the draft, defensive tackle, safety, and receiver could all be options in the first round.

Here’s a look at where the Texans are listed after the Week 9 loss and the full draft order projection from Talkathon:

  • Round 1, No. 20 overall
  • Round 2, No. 54 overall
  • Round 3, No. 85 overall
  • Round 4, No. 121 overall
  • Round 5, No. 166 overall (via BUF)
  • Round 7, No. 235 overall

All those numbers could improve if the Texans can respond on primetime against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium later this week. Houston remains the favorite to win the AFC South and could be in line for the No. 3 if they finish with the same record as the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens, given their head-to-head wins.

Houston should look better on offense with the return of receiver Nico Collins, who is expected to play this week after being activated off the injured reserve last weekend. The Texans could be without pass-rusher and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Will Anderson Jr., who left in the first half with an ankle injury against the Jets.

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.

Opinion: It’s time for Texans to wave goodbye to OC Bobby Slowik

Should the Houston Texans consider pivoting from OC Bobby Slowik to QB coach Jerrod Johnson as play caller as their offense sputters?

Change might be needed in Houston.

One year after Bobby Slowik was anointed as the next great offensive coordinator and rising head coaching candidate, the Houston Texans’ second-year play-caller stands firmly in the crossfire.

Tensions have been building among fans for weeks, but it erupted to a point of no return following Sunday’s meltdown against the Detroit Lions. Houston failed to score in the second half, squandering a 23-7 lead in an eventual 26-23 loss.

In was expected to be a juggernaut, Houston’s offense looks like one of the league’s most disappointing units.

Following Sunday, the Texans rank 16th in EPA per pass at -0.04 and 23rd in passing efficiency at 41.1% despite being headlined by 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.

They rank 28th in EPA per carry at -0.31 and 31st in rushing success rate at a measly 34.2% despite the surge of Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon as the leading rusher.

Stroud’s sophomore season is approaching ‘slump’ territory under Slowik’s watch. The Ohio State product has regressed in completion percentage, passer rating, EPA per drop back and success rating.

Not only has Stroud struggled, he’s been sacked 34 times this season, only four fewer than reigning No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.

The offensive line has factored into the failure — including regression from highly-paid members such as Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason —but Slowik sits core responsible for the unit he is in charge of coaching and coordinating on game day.

There’s no doubt that Slowik had a phenomenal debut in 2023. The former San Francisco 49ers assistant brought the core principles of the Kyle Shanahan scheme alongside detail-oriented, focused gameplans built around protecting and insulating his rookie quarterback.

The team flourished with game plans built around low-efficiency runs and max protection passes with long-developing route concepts. Texans Wire even named Slowik one of the 15 Most Impactful Texans of 2023.

Houston was able to find both explosive gains and play to the strength of their gritty defense as needed in 2023 with this formula. Stroud had firm guardrails to perform within and, combined with his talent, the team saw immediate explosive output and it was a huge part of their success last season.

It’s a factor as to why the Texans swung big in trades to land Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Mixon to accelerate an offense that already had the proverbial ‘engine’ needed for greatness.

Slowik’s second act in 2024 was expected to be one of evolution. Initially, the concept was built for a budding franchise star to facilitate as a point guard-esque distributor for a stacked supporting cast.

Instead, everything has sputtered.

Houston’s offense hasn’t evolved beyond the primary tenants many expected from San Francisco. What’s even worse is that it hasn’t established any unique identity of its own despite these unique talents available on offense.

The Texans remain a run-first offense that’s willing to accept an inefficient running game and, in that inefficiency, have become rather dependent on heroics from Stroud to bail them out.

These conservative tendencies have played a factor in the persona that is Houston’s happy being in games with top competitors rather than one that expects to win.

Confusing finishes against the Green Bay Packers and even electing for a long field goal against Detroit highlights a game plan built like a franchise without a premier quarterback.

What happens when a team is unable to pivot away from their structural inefficiencies?

What occurs when it’s unable to highlight its unique offensive talents or retain a large portion of its former identity?

Unfortunately, regression.

A year of film study has allowed teams to target their game plans toward Slowik’s tendencies and how Houston wants to win games. Whether that is predicting early-down runs or exploiting bad protection rules across a weak offensive line, teams have had far more success against the Texans offense and Stroud in 2024.

Slowik’s inability to evolve any of these components against the better-prepared competition is even further testimony to a unit that is struggling to adapt.

The Texans now feature an offense unable to structurally sound off on any singular thing worth merit. Their running game is inefficient. They’re unable to protect Stroud. The passing game often finds themselves in grossly unfavorable positions.

All of this is seemingly fueled by an offensive coordinator who doesn’t appear to have a direction for what this offense’s second act should be.

That doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless. The Texans should improve with the return of receiver Nico Collins, who led the NFL in receiving yards when placed on injured reserve last month. He provides an easy answer in the quick game, explosive plays vertically and consistency on screens functions as an extension of the run.

Still, it won’t fix the core issue that Slowik’s offense has encountered at this juncture: A lack of identity with minimal schematic diversity.

It’s for that reason that it’s time for Houston to consider a change at the top of their offensive coaching staff.

Quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson interviewed with several NFL teams for their offensive coordinator openings before ultimately electing to return to Houston. Coveted around the league, it was assumed that Johnson preferred to take the mantle in Houston following the 2024 season once Slowik departed for a potential head coaching position.

Johnson, a former quarterback, has experience under Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich. He’s also worked with Stroud since he was in high school and has served as his position coach in team meetings ever since he arrived in the building.

Coordinator changes are almost always driven by desperation. Unfair or not, Houston is in a desperate position now sitting at 6-4 with an apparent inability to compete with top contenders dwindling.

However, few teams have such a well-regarded and well-prepared candidate in-house.

In a season with Super Bowl aspirations, it’s time for the Texans to take their chances with their once-considered heir apparent at offensive coordinator. Johnson’s background and quarterback-centric approach could not only galvanize the locker room but stimulate more aggressive and more talent-friendly game plans for Houston’s offense.

Across the sidelines, Detroit once faced an uphill climb at offensive coordinator early in Dan Campbell’s tenure. He eventually elected to promote tight ends coach Ben Johnson as the new play-caller after the in-season demotion of offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn.

The rest has been history as Johnson remains the most sought-after candidate to take over a franchise for the second consecutive offseason.

It’s not ideal, but the Texans’ offense is approaching a point of desperation. Texans coach Demeco Ryans should consider whether he’s willing to endure another loss when his defense forces five interceptions.

The front office needs to consider if they’re willing to let an expensive 2024 offense go to waste on principal.

Sometimes, change is necessary. Fans soon will see if the Texans feel the same way.

Texans find themselves on the wrong side history in Week 10 loss vs. Lions

The Houston Texans have found themselves on the wrong side of history following an embarrassing loss Sunday night against the Detroit Lions.

How bad was the Houston Texans’ blown 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions on ‘Sunday Night Football’ in front of the hometown crowd?

When you dive deeper, it gets worse.

The Texans forced five interceptions on Lions quarterback Jared Goff, including three in the first half. They led by 16 at halftime thanks to an 8-yard touchdown run from Pro Bowler Joe Mixon and a 15-yard touchdown catch from John Metchie III.

According to Elias Sports Bureau, teams were 373-1-1 when leading by at least 15 and snagging five interceptions since 1933. Then came the second-half implosion and a rewrite in the record books.

The Lions became the first team since the AFL/NFL merger in 1970 to beat the odds, joining a Johnny Unitus Baltimore Colts-lead team that secured a 21-20 win over the Chicago Bears on a five-turnover afternoon.

Fueled by two interceptions from cornerback Carlton Davis and the offense awakening and adjusting to Houston’s speedy, playmaking defense, Goff secured the biggest comeback win of the 2024 season and watched as Jake Bates drilled a game-winning 52-yard field goal to help the NFC North favorites to 8-1.

“Definitely should have won this game,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “My job is to lead the offense to score points, and I didn’t do that today. … We really should have put them away after the first half. It’s really on the offense.”

Stroud, who looked untouchable in the first half, was sacked four times and three two interceptions over the final 30 minutes. The Texans now have not scored in the second half since Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots/

Houston’s also been outscored 141-82 in the second half of games through 10 contests.

“It’s not good enough. Turning the football over there, especially in the red zone, or coming out,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We talked about getting started in the second half, and we talked about being better in the second half. But to come out and turn the ball over on the first play of the second half and to get in the red zone where we have points and to turn the ball over, that’s not winning football.”

The Texans could end the streak next week on the road at AT&T Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football

C.J. Stroud takes ownership for Texans loss vs. Lions on Sunday Night Football

C.J. Stroud takes ownership of the Houston Texans’ second-half collapse against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.

C.J. Stroud isn’t the only person at fault for the Houston Texans’ 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions on ‘Sunday Night Football’ at NRG Stadium.

Despite forcing five interceptions, the Texans’ defense allowed Lions quarterback Jared Goff to mount a pair of touchdown drives in the second half.

They gave the Lions ample room to mount a 16-point comeback behind the leg of kicker and former Texans player Jake Bates.

Even with an 8-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, Houston’s inability to emphasize the run game with Joe Mixon, who averaged less than 2.0 yards per attempt.

But Stroud, who threw two interceptions, admitted he could have done more and took ownership of the heartbreaker at home.

“I got to be better in those moments,” Stroud said Sunday evening. “It’s really just got to go down and score in the red zone and defense is getting the turnovers like they were, so got to be able to reward them with points.

“I’m the one to blame when it comes to that. Turn the ball over in the red zone.”

The first half of hope led to a second half of sorrow. Stroud, who connected with John Metchie III for a 15-yard touchdown with 12 seconds remaining in the first half, was in his element.

He had only missed three passes and notched up over 175 passing yards.

But games aren’t won in the first half. As the Texans headed out for the third quarter, momentum shifted from the east over to the west.

Stroud tossed two interceptions, both forced by Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III, to begin the second half. His second interception came on a play to the end zone on a pass intended for wide receiver Tank Dell.

“If you take those plays away, and I throw Tank a good ball on that one play, the game is flipped over,” Stroud said.

Goff, who lost ground in the MVP race, kept the offense afloat enough in the second half to win a gusty road game. Detroit improved to 8-1 and kept its lead in the NFC standings as the conference’s top contender.

The Texans, who now fall to 6-4, find themselves on the wrong side of history, becoming the second team since 1933 to lose a game in which they caught five interceptions and led by at least 15. Previously, teams were 373-1-1 when leading by at least 15 and snagging five interceptions.

“Definitely should have won this game,” Stroud said. “My job is to lead the offense to score points, and I didn’t do that today.

“We really should have put them away after the first half. It’s really on the offense.”

Stroud finished 19-of-33 for 232 yards, one touchdown and those two interceptions.

“It’s not good enough. Turning the football over there, especially in the red zone, or coming out,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We talked about getting started in the second half, and we talked about being better in the second half.”

The Texans will have eight days to regroup before traveling to AT&T Stadium to take on a struggling Dallas Cowboys squad on Monday Night Football.

Analysis: Texans allow double-digit comeback in home loss against Lions

The Houston Texans were on the wrong side of history following Sunday’s loss against the Detroit Lions.

Stunned.

Shocked.

Sadly, not surprised.

Even after forcing five interceptions against Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, the Houston Texans couldn’t get out of their way in the second half.

They allowed a 19-0 swing capped off with a 52-yard field goal from Jake Bates to help Detroit secure a 26-23 walk-off comeback.

The Texans, which ended their undefeated streak at home, have lost three of their last five and haven’t scored in the second half since Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots.

Goff, who likely lost his claim in the MVP race, won the game. That’s all that matters in the end since Detroit remains a game ahead of Minnesota, Washington and Philadelphia in the NFC standings.

The former No. 1 overall pick struggled from the get-go, as his opening drive resulted in a Jimmie Ward interception. Three drives later, another pass was batted at the line of scrimmage, only this one leading to a Henry To’oTo’o interception.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud didn’t miss for the first 30 minutes. After connecting with Tank Dell and John Metchie III for first-down gains, Joe Mixon secured the 7-0 lead with an 8-yard touchdown run.

Stroud later found Metchie for a 15-yard score, the first of the former second-round pick’s career. Ka’imi Fairbairn drilled three kicks, helping Houston secure a 23-7 halftime lead.

That was the final positive of the night from Houston’s offense, but Detroit was getting started. It took two more interceptions from Goff to finally get on the same page, but the Lions’ defense returned the favor.

Stroud was picked off on the opening play of the third quarter. After Goff returned the favor, he eventually led the Lions downfield on a three-play drive capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery.

Stroud, who finished with 232 passing yards and a touchdown, tossed his second interception to Carlton Davis III on an intended touchdown pass to Tank Dell.

The Lions responded two drives later with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Bates, who previously played for the Texans, drilled a 58-yard field goal with 5:01 remaining.

Fairbairn could have sealed the game with a 59-yard attempt, but the kick went wide left, giving the Lions the ball at midfield. Goff found St. Brown for an 11-yard gain, forcing the Texans to burn their final timeout while setting up Bates’ field goal.

Goff’s five picks were the most by an NFL player since fellow former No.1 overall pick Jameis Winston, who threw five on Oct. 13, 2019, against Carolina while with Tampa Bay.

He finished with 240 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Stroud’s two interceptions mark the second multi-turnover game of the season and third in his career.

Rookie cornerback Kamari Laisster, who left with a concussion in the third quarter, recorded two interceptions. Fellow rookie defensive back Calen Bullock extended his team-leading turnover total to four with a pick in the third quarter.

Metchie led the Texans with five catches for 74 yards. Mixon finished with 46 yards on 25 carries.

Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 71 yards, while tight end Sam LaPorta led Detroit with three catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

The Texans, who had 10 days to prepare for Week 10’s matchup at home, will have eight days to reassess and regroup before traveling to AT&T Stadium to take on the Dallas Cowboys.

Texans receive best news possible on WR Nico Collins’ status vs. Lions

Nico Collins is officially off the injured reserve and could be in line to start on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Nico Collins is back.

The Houston Texans officially activated the fourth-year pass-catcher injured reserve to the active roster, the team announced Saturday.  As a result, the Texans have waived former cornerback D’Angelo Ross.

While Collins might be on the active roster, the Texans are listing him as questionable for Sunday’s primetime matchup against the Detroit Lions. Should he pass all the tests during pregame drills, Collins is expected to play as the team debuts their new “Battle Red” jerseys.

Collins, who’s missed the past four games, would be a welcomed addition to the passing game now with Stefon Diggs on the injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in Week 8.

Before suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills, Collins led the league with 567 receiving yards. He also ranked third with 32 catches and led the Texans with three touchdowns.

During the first quarter of Week 5’s outing, Collins came up pulling his leg after scoring on a 67-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud. He immediately headed to the locker room and did not return. On Wednesday, the Texans placed on the injured reserve, sidelining him through October.

While the Texans still have problems on the offensive line, adding a second target alongside Tank Dell could upgrade C.J. Stroud’s tempo when facing a potent Lions’ pass rush. Last week against the New York Jets, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year was sacked a career-high eight times.

Dell was the only consistent weapon, totaling six catches for 126 yards. John Metchie III, Cade Stover and Xavier Hutchinson didn’t record a reception on 11 targets.

The Texans are being cautious with Collins’ return. He returned to practice on Friday for the first time in nearly a month, but the final day of the week is more of a walk-through.

Even if Collins were to be active, it’s hard to imagine him as a focal point of the passing game in the same fashion as before the injury. Dell should remain the go-to weapon, but Collins’ impact on the field would take pressure away from the second-year target.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.