C.J. Stroud entered 2024 with Super Bowl hype strapped to his shoulders — but now, it’s those same shoulders making headlines. At the time, it felt like he was the AFC’s final answer to combat the Patrick Mahomes dynasty. However, Stroud became yet another example of why a rookie’s success doesn’t translate to an automatic upgrade in their second season. Now, his third season is getting off to a shaky start.
C.J. Stroud’s Status Raises Anxiety Level in Texas
Stroud is dealing with shoulder soreness and has stopped throwing at organized team activities (OTAs) as a result, says ESPN insider Adam Schefter.
Texans QB C.J. Stroud continues to not throw at OTAs due to shoulder soreness. “There’s no concerns with C.J.,” said Texans HC DeMeco Ryans. “It’s just general soreness. We’re taking extra precaution with him, but he’ll be good to go. No concerns on my end there.” pic.twitter.com/TX5MloI9BQ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2025
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, however, did what he could to assuage fears.
“There’s no concerns with C.J. It’s just general soreness. We’re taking extra precaution with him, but he’ll be good to go. No concerns on my end there.”
Of course, the worry isn’t about right now. The anxiety stems from the tone set by the injury. If OTAs are rough, it can sometimes be an indicator of the season to come. While players can get back to full health between OTAs and training camp, it only gets harder to heal when the season hits its stride.
This could be Stroud’s last chance to have an injury that won’t create a chain reaction effect leading into the season.
Texans’ Offense Built To Survive Even Without Their Star QB
While the Texans are undoubtedly Stroud’s franchise for some time to come, the situation could be the petri dish for an unconventional route to success this season. If he misses time, the Texans’ backup is Davis Mills.
Mills was the first quarterback believed to have been given a chance to succeed Deshaun Watson, and despite it not working out, he’s stuck around. But if Stroud misses time, it could set the stage for him to see considerable action for the first time since 2022.
Many would agree that the Texans, who were already strong at wide receiver before the 2025 NFL Draft, have created an upgraded offense that could be set on autopilot. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel have joined as quality prospects in addition to Nico Collins and Christian Kirk.
Plus, with Joe Mixon at running back, Mills has an offense that is head and shoulders above what he had in his first years with the team, at least on paper.
Of course, many would agree that the ideal scenario is for Stroud to get back to full health, making the situation a distant memory sooner rather than later. If Stroud’s shoulder holds, so might the Texans’ hopes of greatness.