Third-year QB C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans will open training camp later this month, and the quarterback’s latest display is as encouraging for that reason as anything else. Stroud raised eyebrows, just weeks out from his team’s report date, getting in some work with Justin Fields.
Fields, who led the league in rushing yards per attempt in 2022, is the New York Jets quarterback and, like Stroud, a former first-round pick (of the Chicago Bears).
They are also both former Ohio State Buckeyes stars.
Stroud and Fields missed their first head-to-head matchup by one season, with the Texans losing to the Jets 21-13 in Week 9 of last season. New York also beat Houston 30-6 in Week 14 in 2023, with Stroud getting injured. They will not face off in 2024 unless they meet in the playoffs.
The pairing drew eyes, but Stroud’s ability to throw the football is great news for the Texans.
C.J. Stroud Cleared Air on Shoulder Issue
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 draft, made headlines earlier this offseason while limited during the media viewing portions of the Texans’ offseason program. He got back to it during mandatory minicamp and appears no worse for wear with training camp nearing.
Stroud and the Texans will report for training camp on July 22.
Notably, Stroud clarified that he was dealing with some tightness in his throwing shoulder, but added that he had been throwing well before doing so in front of cameras.
“I’m very grateful to be back out on the field. A little rusty. Made some throws, missed some throws, but I’m just very grateful to be out there with the guys and have a time to compete before we go a couple days away into camp. So, I’m very excited to be back. But just iron sharpens iron, trying to talk a little smack, but it was great,” Stroud told reporters in June.
“I was already throwing before you guys seen me out there pretty normally. Just, I think, y’all don’t have much to talk about. So, y’all just –everything is blown up in the offseason. So, I’m fine, man. I’m really okay.”
The Texans did not do Stroud any favors in that regard.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans initially said that, like other players on the team, Stroud was on an individual plan during the voluntary portion of the offseason program. Ryans later acknowledged the team was taking a cautious approach with their franchise quarterback.
“There’s no concerns with C.J.,” Ryans told reporters in June. “It’s just general soreness. We’re taking extra precaution with him, but he’ll be good to go. No concerns on my end.”
C.J. Stroud, Texans Have Major Decision on Horizon
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans is introduced before facing the Los Angeles Chargers during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
Stroud’s health is paramount not just because he is the Texans’ quarterback, the most important position in the game, but also because he is heading for a potentially franchise-altering contract extension next offseason.
Given Stroud’s shoulder issue this offseason, and the 52 sacks he absorbed during the 2024 regular season, the second-most in the NFL, concerns about his health were amplified.
The same applies to their looming decision on his contract.
“Stroud represents the cautionary tale,” Pro Football Focus’ John Kosko wrote in May. “A stellar rookie season followed by a sophomore slump. That said, he finished 2024 strong and delivered in the playoffs.
“One glaring issue remains: his pressure-to-sack rate. After taking just 39 sacks as a rookie, that number ballooned to 63 in 2024, a problem that must be addressed moving forward.”
The Texans may want to see Stroud take that step before making their decision.
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