The end of the week capped off an encouraging trend for C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans as they prepare to host the Denver Broncos.
More specifically, Stroud and the Texans finished their week of preparation with full practices from his top two wide receivers, Christian Kirk and Nico Collins, and an encouraging update on another valued pass-catcher, tight end Dalton Schultz.
It is a big challenge for Stroud and the Texans against the NFL’s leader in team sacks.
C.J. Stroud Gets Top Pass Catchers Back for Texans-Broncos
GettyNico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Seattle Seahawks.
Stroud did not have Collins (concussion) or Kirk (hamstring) for the Texans’ win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8. However, the third-year QB still passed for a season-high 318 yards in the 26-15 contest.
Stroud is getting both Collins, his top target over his first two seasons, and Kirk, whom the Texans acquired in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars this past offseason, back in Week 9.
The Texans listed both as full participants in Friday’s practice. Neither has an injury designation.
Moreover, Schultz, Stroud’s top tight end, is listed as “questionable” on the final injury report of the week. However, KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on October 30 that Schultz is “expected to play.”
That is encouraging after Stroud showed strong chemistry with young wideouts Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins, and fellow youngster Xavier Hutchinson, against the 49ers.
Running back Woody Marks and reserve receiver Braxton Berrios also shed their injury labels.
Stroud has dealt with a depleted supporting cast since the season began, headlined by Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon’s absence. The Texans have won three of their last four games, and they can pull back to .500 with a win over the Broncos.
That is where their challenges begin, though, because the Broncos typically match up well with the Texans.
Texans Catch Major Break vs Broncos
GettyPat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos reacts after beating the New York Jets.
Stroud and the Texans have the 19th-ranked scoring offense, and they rank 17th overall on that side of the ball. They are facing a Broncos defense that ranks fifth in scoring and overall through eight weeks.
However, Stroud and the Texans are catching the Broncos at the right time.
The Broncos will be without cornerback Pat Surtain II, who is an All-Pro, Pro Bowler, and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
To replace him, the Broncos could turn to second-year fifth-round pick Kris Abrams-Draine. He stepped in for Surtain after the latter suffered his injury in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys, but could cede duties to rookie first-round pick Jahdae Barron.
The Broncos selected Barron with the 20th overall pick of the 2025 draft.
Texans Need Clean Game From C.J. Stroud
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans makes adjustments before the snap against the San Francisco 49ers.
The bigger issue for Stroud when the Texans have the ball is the pass rush led by Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto on the edges, and John Franklin-Myers and Zach Allen inside.
Stroud enters Week 9 tied for the 10th-most sacks taken, and his sack rate is 16th in the league at 6.07%, per Pro Football Reference. However, his opponent, Bo Nix, leads the league with the lowest sack rate and has better TD and INT rates than Stroud.
Stroud may need his cleanest game to lead the Texans to victory over the 6-2 Broncos.
That is on the Texans’ offensive line as much as it is Stroud, as they look to notch their fourth win of the season in Week 9.
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