Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud has been hands-off all through training camp. The team’s superstar quarterback and franchise cornerstone has been encased in metaphorical bubble wrap, but he’s itching to get game action.
Will head coach DeMeco Ryans take the wrap off and let Stroud see live action against the Minnesota Vikings in the team’s first preseason game?
How Much Action Will the Texans’ Starters See Against the Vikings?
As reported by the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren, Stroud said on Wednesday that he wants to play against the Vikings if only to feel like he’s playing football.
“I’d like to be out there and get hit once or twice or whatever just to feel the emotion again,” Stroud said. “It’s a little different in practice.”
Showing off the wheels đź’¨ pic.twitter.com/6xJMpsyyqu
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 7, 2025
But Stroud is realistic and knows it’s Ryan’s decision whether or not he sees any real action if much at all.
“It’s up to the coaches, whatever they feel is suited for me,” Stroud said. “Whatever DeMeco decides, I’m good with that.”
While Stroud might see a series or two, it will probably be a heavy dose of Davis Mills and Graham Mertz under center.
How do the Texans’ RBs and O-Line Look?
Running back Joe Mixon is out with a non-football injury. The extent of his injury is unclear, but he could miss a significant amount of time.
That doesn’t mean Nick Chubb will see significant action in the preseason, but he’s likely to be the RB1 to start the season. Expect to see more of Dameon Pierce to start the game with Dare Ogunbowale spelling him and some showcase carries for Woody Marks.
Ryans has been pretty straightforward about his offensive line. When asked on August 2 how the group is gelling, Ryans was vague.
Though DJ Bien-Aime reports that the leading group up front is LT Cam Robinson, LG Laken Tomlinson, C Jake Andrews, RG Tytus Howard, and RT Aireontae Ersery.
“We’ll get it settled into the first group, the second group, getting it set up … find out through this camp who our top nine guys will be, and so we’ll continue to go through that process,” Ryans said. “But start seeing things get solidified. You could see guys start to separate themselves, especially once we put the pads on.”
#Texans HC DeMeco Ryans says the starting OL is starting be “solidified”
Says some guys have “separated themselves” once the pads came on.
The main group with the 1s so far
LT Cam Robinson
LG Laken Tomlinson
C Jake Andrews
RG Tytus Howard
RT Aireontae Ersery pic.twitter.com/sQ3iASP5kB— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) August 2, 2025
However, whether Ryans is referring to performances in training camp or the preseason, he said, “So, still evaluate those guys and see how they go, but I’m pleased with where (we are.) There’s still room for improvement.”
The Texans take on the Minnesota Vikings on August 9 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.
