Tag: Juice Scruggs

Texans activate C-G Juice Scruggs to active roster

The Houston Texans have activated second-round guard-center Juice Scruggs.

The Houston Texans will take a look at what another rookie can do for their offensive line.

The Texans announced Saturday they have activated center-guard Juice Scruggs from injured reserve and will make him available for Sunday’s Week 12 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at NRG Stadium.

Scruggs had been on injured reserve with a hamstring injury to start the season. Houston relied on sixth-rounder Jarrett Patterson for the first six games and veteran Michael Deiter for the past four.

The Texans also used their two standard elevations on cornerback Desmond King and receiver Steven Sims.

Houston also waived linebacker Garret Wallow from the practice squad.

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Texans’ Juice Scruggs, Kenyon Green provided cleaner pocket for C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans rookie linemen Juice Scruggs and Kenyon Green provided C.J. Stroud with a cleaner pocket against the Miami Dolphins.

HOUSTON — Protecting rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is the main priority in 2023. The Houston Texans project their No. 2 overall pick to be the franchise’s future, but they will need help from the offensive line.

In the 20-9 win over the New England Patriots in the first preseason game, most of the chaos began along the interior with rookie center Juice Scruggs and second-year left guard Kenyon Green. New England pressured Stroud on five of his seven dropbacks.

After an intense film session with offensive line coach Chris Strausser, Scruggs and Green recognized their mistakes during joint practices with the Miami Dolphins and corrected some of their downfalls.

On Saturday, the results differed as the two linemen helped provide a clean pocket and throwing lanes for Stroud in the 28-3 loss. Stroud was never under heavy pressure nor sacked during his four drives in the first half.

“Overall, everyone can see the offensive line protected much better this week,” said Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans in his postgame press conference. “It was good to see. That’s what we need from our [offensive line], [to] challenge them. In last night’s meeting, challenge them before the game. Making sure that we have protection, have the quarterback have a good pocket to throw in, and that’s what they did today. I’m proud of what they did, and overall that group is continuing to grow.

“We’ve got young players in there with Kenyon and Juice. Those guys are continuing to get better, and it takes reps. So, it’s good to see these guys get these valuable reps in the preseason where they can go out and put good things on tape. If there’s something bad, they can see where they need to improve and correct it. So, I’m proud of the [offensive line].”

Texans right guard Shaq Mason liked what he saw his rookie quarterback against the Dolphins and believes that he can take significant strides this season.

“I saw him have a lot of control in the huddle,” Mason told the Texans Wire after the game. “He was poised and patient. He led us in the short amount of time he was in there, and he did what we expected of him. Of course, there are things we can all fix and clean up, but I think he did a good job of commanding and controlling the huddle. In only his second NFL game, that is big for him.”

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Texans encouraged with C Juice Scruggs’ development

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says he likes the progress he has seen from rookie center Juice Scruggs.

Offensive linemen tend to be overlooked, particularly along the interior. Only those who study the film — coaches and scouts — truly appreciate the work from an interior offensive lineman.

Count Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans among the small number that has appreciation for guard and center play in the NFL. After former starting center Scott Quessenberry went down in early August with a torn ACL and MCL, the interior has been a problematic area for the Texans. However, there may be help from within.

Second-round center Juice Scruggs filled the void, and according to Ryans, who met with reporters Monday, the Penn State product is establishing himself as a starter in his own right.

“I thought Juice did a really nice job of communicating, first and foremost,” Ryans said. “At that center position, we ask a lot of him in communicating, and you see a young guy as a rookie in him handle the communication that he has to handle up front. It’s very impressive with how far along he is to be such a young player, so very encouraged with where Juice is and knowing how much better he’s going to be as he continues to get reps and continues to play with the same guys around him. So, it’s impressive to see.”

Scruggs remains atop the depth chart as the Texans gear up for their preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints. Aug. 20 at the Caesars Superdome. Michael Deiter and Jimmy Morrissey are reserves behind Scruggs.

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Texans’ Juice Scruggs embraced ‘next man up’ mindset following Scott Quessenberry injury

Houston Texans rookie Juice Scruggs took to the “next man up” philosophy after Scott Quessenberry sustained his knee injury.

The first hit the Houston Texans took to their frontline starters across the offensive line was center Scott Quessenberry.

The incumbent, who had started 16 games for Houston last season, sustained a torn ACL and MCL, relegating his year finished before it could even start.

Second-rounder Juice Scruggs had been with the Texans since May’s rookie minicamp, but still enough time to hate the circumstances for his teammate.

“Yeah, definitely very unfortunate, especially ‘Ques’ [Quessenberry],” Scruggs told reporters Aug. 14. “He’s worked very hard and he’s been a great mentor for me. Definitely took me under his wing, helping teach me the offense.”

With Quessenberry having shown Scruggs some of the nuances of playing center in the NFL, the Penn State product sought to apply them immediately to fill a hole at center.

“That’s exactly what went to my head, ‘next man up,’ and I’ve just been preparing like I’m going to be the starter anyways,” Scruggs said. “So, when that happened, all that preparation — it allowed me to go out there and just be comfortable.”

Scruggs played 12 snaps for Houston in their 20-9 preseason victory over the New England Patriots Aug. 10. Though limited on playing time, Scruggs was the starter along with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

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Injuries testing depth of the Texans offensive line early

The Houston Texans offensive line is seeing its fair share of attrition, but it serves as an early test of the unit’s mettle.

HOUSTON — One of the most vital position groups for the Houston Texans coming into training camp has been hit hardest with 10 practices and three preseason games left before the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

The starting offensive line has been riddled with injuries in the last week and that could affect the maturation process of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

During a team drill Aug. 3, center Scott Quessenberry went down with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee. The starter of 15 games last year was carted off the field, placed on injured reserve, and will miss the entire season.

Two days later, right tackle Tytus Howard suffered a broken hand and underwent surgery on Monday.

Howard, who signed a three-year, $56 million contract extension before the beginning of camp, is expected to miss four to six weeks and is in danger of missing the season opener. The fifth-year veteran has been considered one of the best tackles in the game, and his 2022 stats proved that when he only allowed three sacks on the season.

Quessenberry will be replaced by rookie Juice Scruggs, who has had a phenomenal camp so far, drawing praise from head coach DeMeco Ryans and Tunsil.

“What was the word I used last year (when describing players), ‘Dog,’” Tunsil said after practice on Saturday about Scruggs. “He stepped in, and he has to embrace that starting role as center. We need him to embrace that role and get it done. I believe he will. He comes in every day, works hard, and gets it done in the meeting room and on the field. I have 100% belief in him.”

Having Scruggs was a blessing in disguise for the Texans after their starting center went down, but they may not be as lucky when it comes to replacing Howard. Reserve lineman D.J Scaife was carted off the field on the same day as Howard was injured, and Greg Little was placed on injured reserve on Monday.

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Texans training camp takeaways: Youth movement surging

Here are takeaways from @BigSargeSportz as the Houston Texans complete their first quarter of training camp.

HOUSTON — If you put the first five days of Houston Texans training camp into a regular season game perspective, the first quarter would be complete.

On Monday, the players were finally in pads, and it was a welcome sight, especially to players like rookie defensive end Will Anderson. 

“Oh, it felt great,” said Anderson. “That’s one of the things I’ve been waiting for. I know we don’t go pads a lot in the NFL, but just to get that feeling again and just to hit somebody and fly around and jump up and down, it was fun.”

Here are a few takeaways from the first five days of camp.

WATCH: Texans QB C.J. Stroud, C Juice Scruggs take reps together after practice

Houston Texans rookies QB C.J. Stroud and C Juice Scruggs were able to spend some time post practice with reps.

In order for the Houston Texans to complete the rebuild, it will take their younger players taking command of starting jobs sooner than later.

One tandem that spent time after the first day of training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center was first-round quarterback C.J. Stroud and second-round center Juice Scruggs.

According to video from the Texans Wire’s Brian Barefield, Stroud and Scruggs were working on their quarterback-center snap exchange after practice.

Just as Stroud is going against third-year quarterback Davis Mills for the starting job, so too is Scruggs in a battle with veterans for the starting job in the middle of Houston’s offensive line. Michael Deiter, Jimmy Morrissey, and incumbent Scott Quessenberry figure to give Scruggs a challenge.

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Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says C-G Juice Scruggs ‘seems like a vet already’

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says that interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, their second-round pick, “seems like a vet already.”

The Houston Texans’ rookie class will draw attention throughout 2023 for many reasons.

Notably the Texans’ rookies will draw interest is due to their first-rounders in quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson. Third-round receiver Tank Dell will also be a fascinating topic as he continues his football career in Clutch City.

While coach DeMeco Ryans sprinkled the aforementioned with “excellent job” and “really good job” June 6 at organized team activities, there was one rookie who prompted more detail in second-round center Juice Scruggs.

“Juice has done a great job with just being consistent in there — seems like a vet already with the consistency that he operates at,” Ryans said.

The Texans could use consistency at their center position as they seek the final piece to a productive and cohesive offensive line. Three-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil has left tackle, and former 2019 first-rounder Tytus Howard has been solid at right tackle. Kenyon Green has left guard as Shaq Mason mans the right side. Center has been the question mark, although the Texans are cobbling together an answer with Scott Quessenberry, Michael Deiter, Jimmy Morrissey, and sixth-rounder Jarrett Patterson.

Overall Ryans is pleased with the work the rookies have demonstrated throughout the offseason program.

“All around, we have a really good group of rookies and I’m excited to see them come back training camp when we put the pads on and actually get the opportunity to play some real football,” said Ryans. “I’m excited to see their growth.”

If Scruggs is able to maintain his veteran-like consistency, the Texans should be able to solve their issue at starting center.

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Penn State football 2023 NFL draft player signing tracker

Penn State 2023 NFL Draft rookie contract signing tracker

Although Penn State may not have had a first-round draft pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Nittany Lions did send six players through the draft. Tjat included three players going in the second round with Joey Porter Jr. going to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the first pick of the second round and Brention Strange and Juice Scruggs each getting their names called during the second round.

Now that the draft has come to a close, and undrafted free agents are beginning to be signed, including a number of former Penn State players, all eyes are set on the first NFL contract signings for the newest batch of NFL rookies drafted from Penn State.

We’ll keep tabs on all of the draft pick contracts to be signed this year by Penn State players who have become NFL rookies in 2022, and we will update this information as needed when more information does become available. Contract details used here are obtained through the terrific sports contract resources available from Spotrac.

This list was last updated on May 19, 2023.

Texans C Juice Scruggs working with C.J. Stroud to forge chemistry

Houston Texans rookie center Juice Scruggs is looking to develop chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud.

The Houston Texans are banking much of their fate in 2023 on the development of rookies.

Second-round center Juice Scruggs is aware of the onus laid upon the 2023 draft class, and spent rookie minicamp developing a relationship with first-round quarterback C.J. Stroud.

What helps with Scruggs and Stroud’s connection is their time in the Big Ten Conference. Penn State, Scruggs’ alma mater, faced Stroud and Ohio State on an annual basis.

“We had some crazy battles with Ohio State,” Scruggs told reporters May 13. “Just being able to meet him, how humble he is and how passionate he is about this game, excited to work with him and just get to go know him.”

While there has been lip service from coach DeMeco Ryans, general manager Nick Caserio, and even chairman and CEO Cal McNair that Stroud will have to earn his way into the starting job, the reality is the battle won’t be hard fought. Stroud will compete against 12-year Case Keenum and third-year Davis Mills. There was a reason Houston picked Stroud No. 2 overall.

For Scruggs, getting onto the field may be a bit more challenging. Houston already has veterans Jimmy Morrissey, Michael Deiter, and Scott Quessenberry vying for the center job. The Texans also drafted Notre Dame’s Jarrett Patterson in the sixth round.

The key to being the center is forming cohesion with Stroud.

Said Scruggs: “Just trying to build the relationship and get the chemistry going. What I thought about him in college, I thought he was the best quarterback in the country for sure.”

The last time the Texans had a rookie quarterback and rookie center start in a game was 2021, which was the epitome of a rebuilding season. Houston may not use such an inexperienced duo unless it shows the best potential to upgrade the offense.

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