The first two games of the 2025 season have proven challenging for C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans, but reinforcements have arrived in the form of wide receivers Braxton Berrios and Christian Kirk, and offensive lineman Jake Andrews.
Stroud and the Texans are 0-2 and need a spark, and they could get it from their wide receiver duo. The QB also needs better protection, which Andrews, the Texans hope, will provide.
Best of all for Stroud and the Texans, all three players practiced on Friday.
Christian Kirk Sends Clear Message About C.J. Stroud Before Texans Debut
GettyChristian Kirk #13 of the Jacksonville Jaguars reacts against the Buffalo Bills.
The Texans acquired Kirk in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, their opponent in Week 3, this past offseason. He was able to develop an early chemistry with Stroud before the season began. A hamstring injury derailed his debut in the regular season until this week.
Kirk made it very clear that getting to work with Stroud in the regular season is “very exciting.”
“I thought we did a great job growing a great rapport throughout training camp,” Kirk told reporters on September 17. Made a bunch of plays, bunch of explosives. We think the same, see offensively and defensive schematic-wise the same way. So, just definitely looking forward to getting out there and really get that rolling, and just keep building it throughout the season.”
“Feel like I can bring a sense of just reliability to be able to win tight situations,” Kirk said. “Third down, critical downs in the red zone, and whatnot. So, I’m just going to go out there and do what I’m best at, and do what’s required of me, and what the offense is asking of me. But like I said, I’m just excited to get out there and contribute.”
Kirk logged 84 receptions for 1,108 yards and 8 touchdowns with the Jaguars in 2022. Injuries have contributed to an 84-1,166-4 line over the 2023 and 2024 campaigns.
Fortunately for Stroud and the Texans, he is not the only playmaker returning to action.
Braxton Berrios Ready to Pick Up Where He Left Off
GettyBraxton Berrios #17 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the Minnesota Vikings
Berrios signed with the Texans in free agency, and the former All-Pro return specialist for the Miami Dolphins could spell both Kirk in the slot and rookie Jaylin Noel on special teams. But he hopes to join his fellow veteran as a weapon for Stroud, whom he is “very” excited to work with.
“Hopefully, obviously, be an outlet and a trusted guy for C.J. Be a quick answer. Know what he’s seeing, know what he’s feeling as far as the rush goes, and be where he needs us to be. That’s, hopefully, the plan,” Berrios told reporters on September 17. “We’ve practiced for, I guess, months now. So, it’s time to turn it loose.”
Berrios said his hamstring issue was something he was “not really used to” and that the proximity to the regular season “added frustration” amid narrow losses.
“It’s tough when you know you, maybe, could have helped, but you can’t,” Berrios said.
Berrios has 134 catches for 1,323 yards and 6 TDs in his career, so the Texans will likely turn to him only as needed, with Nico Collins and rookie second-round pick Jayden Higgins at the top of the depth chart. The Texans must give Stroud time to find his playmakers, though.
Jake Andrews’ Return Pivotal for Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans signals against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In addition to leaning on Nick Chubb and the running game to open up play-action for Stroud, the Texans must protect their franchise QB.
Andrews should provide that from the critical pivot spot.
In his limited reps due to missing an entire game and leaving another early, Andrews is the Texans’ third-best pass blocker on the OL, per Pro Football Focus. He ranks behind only right guard Ed Ingram and right tackle Tytus Howard.
With more of his top pieces back in place – the Texans are still without wideout Tank Dell and have lost several tight ends to injuries – it is on Stroud to make the necessary adjustments.
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