Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud has been sidelined during OTAs due to a minor shoulder, but coach Demeco Ryan and the Houston staff believe it is nothing to be worried about.
Ryans, when asked about Stroud’s lack of involvement Wednesday, downplayed the activity level and emphasized players’ routines will vary widely day to day.
Despite the precautionary rest, Stroud is preparing for an expanded role in year three, gaining more responsibility to adjust plays and protections under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) rolls out to pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) rolls out to pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs
© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Caley, a first-time play-caller with roots in the Rams and Patriots systems, is installing a new offensive philosophy built on collaboration with Stroud. The quarterback is embracing this evolution, aiming to bounce back from a statistically down year after his standout rookie season.
“Yeah, he’s locked in every step of the way,” Caley said after OTAs on Friday. “No concerns whatsoever. I know DeMeco has already hit on this. Everybody has a specific routine relative to their own routine, specific to whatever. Whether it’s football, whether it’s athletic training, etc., he’s doing a great job and he’s out here and he’s working.”
Stroud has been a fan of the addition of Nick Caley.
“He comes from L.A. and New England and he is going to bring some of that swag over here, so that kind of is what I’m used to,” Stroud said of Caley. “Taking control and being a little more pre=snap, having tools to put my guys in the best position. That is something that we really didn’t work on these last two years.
Though not participating in drills, Caley noted that Stroud is absorbing the offense mentally, describing OTAs as a “discovery process” for players adjusting to the new system.
“It’s really an evolving process,” Caley said. “This is the time to put the rubber on the road, see what we can do, and evolve from there.”
For a franchise eyeing a deep postseason push after back-to-back exits in the AFC Divisional Round, C.J. Stroud remains central to the Texans' long-term vision. Now just a year away from becoming eligible for what could be a massive contract extension, Stroud is viewed as the cornerstone of the team's future. As long as the team captain continues to develop, the Texans are prepared to invest heavily in him. Confidence in Stroud runs deep — from the locker room to the coaching staff, and all the way up to ownership.