Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Houston Texans have spent much of the offseason making C.J. Stroud one of the biggest questions surrounding their NFL team. Some of the criticism is justified, as Stroud has not consistently looked like the quarterback who took the league by storm as a rookie. But before 2026 becomes entirely about whether Stroud can return to that level, Houston needs to take a hard look at the situation it is creating around him.
Stroud actually looked sharp Thursday, completing 4 of 6 passes and leading Houston on a 69-yard touchdown drive during his only series. The bigger concern was what was happening in front of him.
MORE:5 most improved NFL offenses entering 2026-2027 season
Texans are still figuring out their offensive line
Jul 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans guard Wyatt Teller (75) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Houston Chronicle Texans reporter Jonathan M. Alexander noticed something telling when the first-team offensive line took the field Thursday.
“No Wyatt Teller in this version of the starting offensive line. The Texans are still obviously figuring out the best five.”
No Wyatt Teller in this version of the starting offensive line. The #Texans are still obviously figuring out the best five.
Instead, it's Evan Brown at C, and Keylan Rutledge at LG. That's not nothing.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) August 21, 2026
That should make Texans fans uncomfortable.
Houston signed Teller to a two-year, $16 million contract this offseason with the expectation that he could help stabilize an offensive line that has made life difficult for Stroud. Instead, we’re already seeing uncertainty surrounding the starting five, with rookie Keylan Rutledge taking Teller’s spot at left guard.
Teller then allowed a sack while working with the second-team offense Thursday, adding another wrinkle to a position group that clearly hasn’t settled.
This isn’t simply a meaningless preseason rotation. Houston is still trying to determine its best combination up front with the regular season approaching.
MORE:Predicting the AFC playoff teams ahead of the 2026-2027 NFL season
Stroud needs help around him
Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) enters the field before an AFC Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The offensive line isn’t the only challenge facing Stroud. Houston also lost Jayden Higgins to a season-ending ACL injury, removing a receiver who was expected to take a significant step forward in his second season alongside Nico Collins.
None of that excuses Stroud’s mistakes. The interceptions, stalled drives and inconsistency have to be addressed by the quarterback himself. A franchise quarterback has to be better, particularly when expectations are this high.
But Houston also has to recognize the environment it is asking Stroud to operate in.
The Texans want him to produce like a franchise quarterback while continuing to make significant changes around him. That’s a difficult balancing act.
Stroud needs to be better in 2026. There’s no question about that. But the Texans also need to stop making “better” so damn difficult.