Head coach DeMeco Ryans, C.J. Stroud, and the Houston Texans are heading into the regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Rams even more short-handed than they already figured to be coming out of training camp.
Their latest blow comes at wide receiver with Braxton Berrios and Christian Kirk. The Texans, who revamped their WR room this offseason, will be without the two new additions versus LA.
Their losses could be more significant than they seem on the surface.
C.J. Stroud, Texans Down 3 Receivers vs Rams
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on while playing the Detroit Lions.
The Texans acquired Kirk in a trade with their AFC South rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars, to play the role of safety valve in the slot for Stroud.
“#Texans preparing to play without both Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios due to hamstring injuries against #Rams,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on September 4. “Kirk is relatively short-term, one to two weeks recovery anticipated, per sources @KPRC2.”
Kirk has an extensive history of injuries, including soft-tissue issues. He is in Year 3 of a four-year, $72 million contract.
Berrios’ role is expected to largely come on special teams.
However, Wilson reported that there is also “optimism” that he will not miss much time. He signed a one-year, $1.2 million pact with the Texans in free agency from the Miami Dolphins this past offseason.
While losing Berrios and, especially, Kirk is a blow to Stroud’s outlook, he still had a wealth of playmakers at his disposal in the passing game at wide receiver.
Young WR Gets Stock Boost From Texans’ Injury News
GettyJaylin Noel #82 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Carolina Panthers.
Stroud was already set to have one rookie – history-making second-round pick Jayden Higgins – starting in one spot opposite 2024 Pro Bowler Nico Collins when the Texans are on offense after their depth chart was announced.
Now, the offense could feature another rookie prominently in third-round selection Jaylin Noel, who was Higgins’ teammate in college at Iowa State. Noel will pull double duty against the Rams.
“#Texans will have rookie Jaylin Noel fill in on returns and slot,” Wilson said in his follow-up.
Stroud must lean on Collins and Higgins even more without Kirk or Berrios, and the Texans are already missing incumbent WR2 Tank Dell, who could return later this season but is still recovering from a devastating knee injury.
Rams HC Sends Clear Message About C.J. Stroud
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans smiles before facing the Carolina Panthers.
Stroud’s ability to elevate those around him will be put to an early test with the Texans’ injuries. But he will not get any reprieve from the Rams, with their head coach, Sean McVay, lauding the 2023 Pro Bowler.
McVay is also familiar with some of the Texans’ offense, with new offensive coordinator Nick Caley working on the Rams HC’s staff over the last two seasons.
McVay joked he was unfamiliar with the Texans’ previous offense, but would reach out to Caley.
“I know he [Stroud] looked pretty damn good, and he looked like he had real clarity and an ownership of what they were trying to get done. “I’ll see if I can call Caley and see which audibles that he’s going to give him for this game so that we could be ready. But I think that’s just the natural progression for any of these quarterbacks. He’s a stud. He’s a guy that has earned the recognition and the praise that he gets. And so, we’ve got to be ready to play ‘rules’ ball,” McVay told reporters on September 3.
“It is the first week. I’m looking forward to watching our defense fly around, and they’ve got great players. You know that they’ll be able to be productive in both phases. And so, we’ve got to be ready to roll.”
Stroud and the Texans are also without star running back Joe Mixon. They have a slew of young contributors behind de facto RB1 Nick Chubb, but Mixon’s absence undoubtedly puts additional stress on Stroud and the Texans’ passing attack, starting with their tilt against the Rams.
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