HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Texans wrapped up their NFL Preseason with a 17-13 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night. After the win, Texans fans no longer need to wonder who will start under center in Week 1. After the game, Head Coach DeMeco Ryans announced that C.J. Stroud would be the starter against Baltimore to start the regular season.
“It was definitely a blessing, something that I think I worked for and definitely earned," Stroud said. "At the same time, nothing else really changes. Still going to work like the way I'm working, but even more now. I'm blessed enough to be able to be a starter, so young in this league, which isn't the easiest thing to do. But I know my coaches have trust and faith in me, so I'll go out there and do my best."
Houston selected Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Texans have high hopes for the former Ohio State Buckeye, and Coach Ryans named Stroud the starter after what he saw from the young man in the Preseason and Training Camp.
"It's been over the course of the entire process of OTAs, training camp preseason games, just seeing the complete product and knowing CJ's desire to continue to better," Ryans said after the win.
Houston Texans C.J. Stroud
(Credit: buckeyeswire.com)
Stroud played just eight series total this preseason. He finished 11/18 for 89 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. While these are not jaw-dropping numbers, protecting the no. 2 pick’s health was paramount for the Texans in the preseason.
The Texans still have Davis Mills waiting in the wings if Stroud struggles too much in the season opener. Ryans believes Stroud is the future, but Mills has more talent than Houston's record last year shows.
The Texans travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens in Week 1 on Sunday, September 10, at noon.
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