Tag: Houston Texans 2024

Texans QB C.J. Stroud excited for trip to Lambeau Field

C.J. Stroud is excited to make his first trip to Lambeau Field this upcoming weekend to face off against the Green Bay Packers.

Sometimes, a stadium is more than just a place where NFL games are held.

It’s an experience. It’s unique. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment for some.

That’s partially what C.J. Stroud is most pumped for when the Houston Texans touch down at Lambeau Field for a Week 7 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

“You dream as a kid to go play at this stadium and it’s a historical stadium,” Stroud said Wedensday. “A lot of great games played in there and to go for my first opportunity to be up there against a great team is going to be an honor and I can’t wait.”

Stroud, a favorite to win the league MVP, has yet to see Lambeau in his short career. Houston drew the NFC North as its cross-division opponent in 2024, meaning two games would be on the road.
Week 3 sent the Texans to Minnesota to take on the Vikings. Week 7 has Houston heading to the mecha of the NFL World to face Jordan Love and a revamped Packers team looking for a signature in their backyard.
“Lambeau is a special place,” coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday. “I told our players that today, it’s a special place to play. You talk about the history of football. It is always special to play there and it is even more special when you can get a victory in Lambeau because they always have a tough team.”
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Stroud agrees. While at Ohio State, he played at several infamous locations in the Big Ten, including Penn State’s Beaver Stadium and The Big House at the University of Michigan.

Lambeau Field has the same energy. It’s a safe haven for Wisconsinites who have rooted for the only fan-owned franchise for decades. They’ve seen ample stars lead their team to Super Bowl titles, including Bart Starr, Brett Favre and four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers.

Love, who guided Green Bay back to the postseason last year, looks to be next. That’s of course if he can slow down Stroud and the Texans first.

“Everybody understands the significance of Lambeau and how special that place is,” Ryans said.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. joins Alabama legend on sack list

Will Anderson posted three sacks in Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots and made Alabama football history in the process.

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was first a star at the University of Alabama before he ever arrived at NRG Stadium.

Now, he joins a fellow Saturday legend in the Sunday history books.

With his three-sack outing in Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots, Aderson joined Hall of Fame linebacker and former Crismon Tide standout Derrick Thomas as one of 16 Alabama alums to accomplish the feat.

Thomas, who played 10 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, leads all Alabama players in three-sack outings in 10. He also holds the NFL record for the most sacks in a game with seven.

Anderson has a ways to go before he enters the same conversation as Thomas, but he could have had the best game of his young career. On top of totaling three sacks, Anderson finished with eight tackles, four tackles for loss and a pass deflection against rookie quarterback Drake Maye that led to an interception by Eric Murray.

“Massive game for him,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “To be able to get after the quarterback the way he did with three sacks, also forced an interception by Murray.

“I felt his mindset in pregame warmups, so I knew it was going to be a really good day for him. Will, he’s getting better every week. This is his best game by far.”

Anderson is on the trajectory to earn Defensive Player of the Year recognition entering Week 7’s road trip against the Green Bay Packers. He leads the NFL in tackles for loss with nine and ranks fifth in sacks with 5.5.

Those in Tuscaloosa knew of Anderson’s potential. At Alabama, he was a two-time unanimous All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner as a linebacker.

After being drafted No. 3 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Houston moved him from a 3-4 outside linebacker to a 4-3 defensive. Nothing changed about his approach. The future Pro Bowl would tie J.J. Watt for the Texans’ rookie sack record with seven en route to winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Thomas, who passed away in 2000 at the age of 33, finished with 126.5 career sacks. Entering the halfway point of the new season, Anderson currently sits with 12.5.

Kickoff at Lambeau Field is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans trade RB Cam Akers to Vikings for late-round pick

Cam Akers is headed back to the Minnesota Vikings for the second time in his career.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Cam Akers is headed back to Minneapolis.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Houston Texans are trading the veteran running back, plus a 2026 conditional seventh-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2026 conditional sixth-round pick.

Akers, who impressed enough during the preseason to earn a spot on Houston’s final 53-man roster, returns to the undefeated NFC North franchise for the second time in his career. Coincidentally, both times he’s played for the Vikings came via trades.

Following Week 1 last season, the Los Angeles Rams traded Akers to Minnesota for a late-round pick. In six games as the Vikings; No. 2 runner, he rushed for 138 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries before suffering a season-ending Achilles tear in early November.

With the return of Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and third-year standout Dameon Pierce, Akers’ role decreased. In Sunday’s 41-21 win over the New England Patriots, he only had two carries for negative yards after averaging 9.7 carries per game in the previous four outings.

The Texans were filled at running back to where Akers likely would have been either been limited for reps or inactive. Mixon and Peirce are coming off exceptional games where they averaged over 7.9 yards per run and scored three total touchdowns.

Dare Ogunbowale also has been exceptional as a third-down especially in the passing games. He also has value on special teams while Akers was only a running back.

While he wasn’t an ideal No. 1 option, Akers filled the void in place of Mixon and Pierce during their absence. He averaged 3.7 yards per run and scored two touchdowns over three games.

In Minnesota, Akers will probably compete with Ty Chandler and Myles Gaskin for reps behind the injured Aaron Jones, who’s being considered “week-to-week” after suffering a hip injury before the Vikings’ bye week.

He’ll be a sufficient fit for the offense since he already understands the play concepts, given that Houston and Minnesota share similar rushing concepts.

In place of Akers on the roster, defensive tackle Kurt Hinish will take his place on the active 53-man roster. Hinish, a third-year defender from Notre Dame, was activated from the injured reserve on Tuesday.

The Texans head to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday at noon CT.

What advice did Texans QB C.J. Stroud give to Patriots rookie Drake Maye?

C.J. Stroud once again offered up some words of encouragement to a rookie QB following Sunday’s win over the Patriots.

Following a 19-13 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 2, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud made sure to offer up some words of wisdom to rookie passer and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.

Some thought it was too much given that Stroud was only in Year 2, though Williams has been playing his best since leaving NRG Stadium and now has the Bears at 4-2.

Stroud, who threw three touchdown passes en route to a 41-21 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday, said he wouldn’t offer any advice to No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye in his first starter leading up to the game.

He never said he wouldn’t talk after the final whistle blew.

“I gave him a little word, you know, tried to give him a little word of encouragement,” Stroud told reporters following the 20-point victory. “I thought he played really solid, you know. Definitely feel like he’ll get better and better as he keeps going.”

Maye, the standout at North Carolina, tossed two interceptions and coughed up a fumble in the third quarter on a Danielle Hunter sack that led to a Stefon Diggs touchdown. He also threw three touchdown passes, including a 40-yard spiral to Kayshon Boutte with 11 seconds remaining in the first half.

Maye finished 20-of-33 for 243 yards. He also tacked on 38 rushing yards on five attempts and avoided three extra sacks during the fourth quarter.

“It’s definitely encouraging,” Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said. “From a team-wide perspective right now, we let him down.”

Stroud didn’t spend much time with the rookie, but he mentioned several other tips he hopes Maye adds to his game entering Week 7.

What’s the most substantial piece of advice? Be yourself.

“Everything that got you here will take care of where you want to go and really just trust yourself,” said Stroud. “Trust that you’ll eventually figure it out. You’ll have bad days; you’ll have good days. There’s days where you’ll look at yourself like, ‘Man, I’m the worst quarterback in the world’, but it’s always about getting up the next day and keep going. So I would just tell him that and I told him how much I believed in him and I hope to see him do well in this league.

The Texans travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers next Sunday at noon CT.

Injury updates for several Texans players following win over Patriots

The Houston Texans saw three players leave Sunday’s win with injuries.

While the Houston Texans secured a 41-21 victory over the New England Patriots, they could be without several players entering Week 7.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that both offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (ankle) and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) left Sunday’s game with injuries.

“Yeah, Azeez is getting evaluated with a knee,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He tried to come back, but we’ll see how he progresses throughout the week.”

Signed to a three-year deal this offseason, Al-Shaair serves as the voice of Houston’s defense. He finished with three tackles and forced a fumble before being replaced by special teams star Neville Hewitt.

The Texans love Hewitt for his tackling ability, so he could become the new starter if Al-Shaair remains sidelined for long. Houston could also elevate Christian Harris off the injured reserve should the team feel he’s ready to return.

Tunsil left after reaggravating an ankle injury during the third quarter. Houston held a commanding lead, so the team turned to rookie Blake Fisher rather than push forward with the four-time Pro Bowler.

Tunsil’s injury is not regarded as serious and hasn’t been all season. The Texans will continue to monitor it throughout the week before the team departs for Green Bay.

Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, who entered Sunday’s game as the team’s leading tackler, suffered a head injury late in the fourth quarter and now enters the NFL concussion protocol.

To’oTo’o is already serving as Harris’ replacement as the full-time starter, meaning Houston might have to turn to another special teams standout in Del’Shawn Phillips or potentially rookie Jamal Hill.

Kickoff next week at Lambeau Field is scheduled for noon CT.

Poll: Who wins Sunday’s Patriots-Texans game?

Who walks away with a win on Sunday at Gillette Stadium between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots?

The Houston Texans are ready to cap off their best start since 2012 with a road win on Sunday against the New England Patriots.

That’s easier said than done, especially on offense now with Nico Collins sidelined.

Collins will miss four games after being placed on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills. He’s not only been the team’s top target, but the fourth-year pass-catcher also led the NFL in receiving yards with 576.

The Patriots also are throwing a curveball Houston’s way by starting rookie passer Drake Maye. The No. 3 overall pick was expected to see action in 2024, but most thought it would come later in the season.

After a 1-4 start under Jacoby Brissett, New England is speeding up Maye’s process, hoping he’ll learn on the fly against the Texans’ team dealing with several injuries.

The Texans still feature an offense headlined by C.J. Stroud, Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs. Houston also could be getting healthy at running back with Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce gearing up to play.

Is this a trap game for the AFC South favorites? Can Maye actually be the proper answer in Gillette Stadium on a crisp Sunday afternoon?

Who do you have winning Sunday’s game? Make sure to vote in the poll below.

 

Texans QB C.J. Stroud explains meaning behind arm-crossed TD celebration

C.J. Stroud continues to hit more jaw-dropping passes and also the perfect pose to remind fans how he’s special.

When C.J. Stroud finds the end zone through the air, he has a unique way to celebrate.

Rather than jumping up and down for joy, Stroud hits the cross-armed pose and stares at his own sidelines before joining his teammates. According to ESPN’s Pat McAfee, the pose is “one of the coldest reactions” he’s seen in a hot moment.

It was on display when Stroud connected with Nico Collins for a 67-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter of the Houston Texans’ 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills and remains a fixture of his persona.

What’s the reasoning behind it? During an interview on The Pat McAfee Show, Stound said it’s supposed to serve as a reminder for those watching what he’s capable of accomplishing with a football in his hands.

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“It’s regular,” Stroud told McAfee of the now iconic pose. “You mess up, you give me the shot, I’m going to take it. I’m just going to make you pay. I often just have to remind myself, too, like I’m still that guy and I can still play this game at a very, very high level. So, I think that was just one of those moments where I’m like, ‘Yeah, it’s like that.’ I’m not always that way.”

Not only was the pass a beauty that secured Houston’s fourth win of the regular season, but the pass traveled 59.1 yards through the air, per NFL Next Gen Stats.

That marks the fifth-longest completion in the league this season.
Stroud has the confidence to deliver quick strikes, deep shots and jaw-dropping passes left and right for four quarters.

He’s already connected multiple times on the deep ball with Collins this season, including once on a 56-yard ball during Week 1’s win over McAfee’s Indianapolis Colts.

“I’m very humble at the same time, but I know what I can do on the field. I know there’s no defense for the perfect throw. You’ve just got to be able to focus in those moments,” Stroud said of that throw before turning his attention to McAfee.

Stroud said he saw McAfee and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 1 and knew he couldn’t let them walk away with a win late in the fourth quarter.

Naturally, he iced the game with a third-and-11 completion to Collins before Joe Mixon picked up once more first down, thus leading to a McAfee meltdown the next day.

“I saw you and Tyrese over there going crazy, so I had to hush y’all boys,” Stroud joked. “I tried to look at y’all after. I think y’all left. Y’all beat the traffic. I was trying to find you.”

Through five games, Stroud ranks third among passers with 1,385 passing yards and seven touchdowns against three interceptions. His 98.2 passer rating ranks 10th nationally.

Stroud will look to strike the pose once more when Houston travels to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Patriots this Sunday at noon CT.

Texans WR Stefon Diggs shares awkward moment with Bills QB Josh Allen after win

Well, that was just awkward for everyone involved Sunday afternoon.

Well, that was awkward for everyone involved.

Following the Houston Texans’ 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills, many began to wonder what would be the reaction to Josh Allen’s meeting with Stefon Diggs.

The meeting was brief. Very brief. In fact, in the days of the internet, perhaps it shouldn’t have happened at all.

Allen greeted Diggs with a quick, silent handshake and moved to the locker room. Diggs shook it and gave Allen two taps on his back.

Then they went their separate ways but not before the camera caught Diggs giving Allen one of the meanest side-eyes in recent memory.

It was a professional and unceremonious reunion, but the internet couldn’t stop talking about the awkward moment.

“I can’t say I didn’t think about this game when I got traded,” Diggs said. “I held it in all week energy-wise. I just try to keep it professional but obviously in the back of my mind it meant a lot to me. I wanted to do more showing than telling.”

Much like in real-life breakups, the departure of Diggs from Buffalo was heartbreaking for fans. Someone had come out looking like a winner while the other remained down in the dumps in the first face-off.

On Sunday, Diggs was the winner. He finished with six catches for 82 yards as Houston improved to 4-1. Meanwhile, Allen went 9 of 30 for 131 yards and a touchdown.

No Bills’ pass-catcher went for over 49 receiving yards, and it came with Keon Coleman’s score in the third quarter. Coleman, Mack Hollins, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Curtis Samuel totaled four combined catches on 18 targets for 76 yards, six fewer than Diggs overall.

“He’s on their team and is a great player and made some good plays tonight for them,” Allen said postgame. “He was on the winning team.”

When traded to Buffalo in 2020, Diggs became the backbone of the Bills’ offense and the top weapon in Allen’s growth. Over his four Pro Bowl seasons, the duo combined for 445 completed, 5,372 yards, and 37 touchdown catches.

Allen and the Bills might have lost the battle but still could win the war en route to securing their sixth consecutive division title. Diggs, however, could be looking forward to a postseason rematch as he becomes the security blanket for another young passer in C.J. Stroud.

The Texans travel to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots this Sunday at noon CT.

Texans receive unfortunate news surrounding WR Nico Collins

Nico Collins might not be good to go this Sunday when the Houston Texans take on the New England Patriots.

After further tests, Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins could be out longer than just a few days leading up to Week 6’s matchup against the New England Patriots.

At his annual Monday press conference, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Collins would be “week to week” after leaving early in Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills.

Ryans said Collins was “in good spirits” after the game, though there isn’t a set timetable given how hamstrings heal.

“He’s attacking his rehab the right way,” Ryans said. “Our staff will help him get back right when that right time is.”

Collins, who leads the NFL with 567 receiving yards, suffered the injury on his 67-yard touchdown catch from C.J. Stroud during the first quarter. He did not return after leaving the blue medical tent for further evaluation.

Stroud managed to throw for 331 yards while completing passes for Cam Akers, Dare Ogunbowale, Dalton Schultz, Tank Dell and new top weapon Stefon Diggs, but the scoring was limited. Houston only totaled nine points after Collins’ departure.

Even at 1-4, Houston can’t afford to overlook the Patriots, especially with it being a road matchup. Ryans said the team feels good about its depth, but losing Collins does come with concerns about the play design.

“Nico has been the best receiver in the NFL this year,” Ryans said. “So, do you replace him? No. Everybody just steps up and whatever role you’re asked to do, just step up and play your role the proper way.”

Dell and Diggs are the favorites to see expanded roles with Collins limited in practice. The latter is coming off a six-catch afternoon for a team-leading 82 yards.

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Dell, who served as Houston’s secondary option in the passing game opposite Collins, caught four balls for 38 yards.

Houston also could expand the roles of Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie III and veteran Robert Woods, who secured exceptional field position last week on a 13-yard punt return to set up the Ka’imi Fairbairn game-winning field goal.

“Robert has been outstanding for us since the first day he stepped in here. I mean, he’s done everything that we’ve asked,” Ryans said. “Whatever role he’s in, Rob is a true leader in that regard. He shows up and works every single day, doesn’t say much, but he works.

“He’s a team-first player and that’s what everybody should aspire to be like. When you’re playing, especially here for us, you need that team-first mentality.”

Kickoff from Gillette Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Instant analysis: Ka’imi Fairbairn’s game-winning field goal secures 23-20 win

Ka’imi Fairbairn’s can’t-miss leg secured the Houston Texans another win on Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium.

(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)

The Houston Texans love the theatrics.

A week after C.J. Stroud threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Dare Ogunbowale with 18 seconds remaining against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ka’imi Fairbairn drained a 59-yard field goal as time expired to secure a 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium.

The Texans improved to 4-1 and 3-0 at home before hitting the road for two games. Stroud, a favorite to win the MVP, threw for 331 yards and a touchdown while completing 73.7 percent of his passes.

Houston jumped out to an early 17-6 lead entering halftime thanks to a pair of touchdowns from Cam Akers and Nico Collins. Fairbairn, who became the Texans’ all-time leader in points, also drilled a 50-yard field goal to close out the second quarter.

But Josh Allen and the Bills never broke despite bending their will. They rallied to outscore the Texans 17-3 in the second half. Keon Coleman’s 49-yard reception on fourth-and-5 put Buffalo within three with 4:20 remaining in the third quarter.

Allen, who entered Sunday as the MVP favorite, was 9 of 30 for 131 yards and picked up another 54 with his legs. He evaded a sack on third down with 3:18 remaining to set up a 33-yard field goal for Tyler Bass.

The Texans had a chance to put the game out of reach midway through the fourth quarter and were driving after back-to-back first-down gains. Stroud tried to find Stefon Diggs for first down, but the pass was intercepted by Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard.

On the ensuing drive, defensive end Dawuane Smoot’s strip-sack of Stroud on third down gave Buffalo the ball at the 15-yard line. Allen left on the previous drive to be evaluated for a concussion, yet somehow managed to return to set up the Bass field goal.

Robert Woods returned a punt 13 yards to put Houston at midfield after the defense forced a three-and-out. Dare Ogunbowale had a 5-yard run to set up Fairbairn for the game-winner.

After drilling a 61-yard field goal earlier this season, a 59-yarder felt like a chip shot.

Diggs, who was traded to Houston this offseason after spending four seasons with the Bills, finished with a team-leading six receptions for 82 yards.

Collins, who entered Saturday as the NFL’s leading receiver, caught two passes for 78 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown in the first quarter before leaving with a hamstring injury.

The Texans travel to face off against the New England Patriots next Sunday at noon CT.