The Houston Texans did not have a season that fans, media, or even the team itself were expecting in 2024. After an electric rookie season from C.J. Stroud, the Texans started building around him in hopes of a Super Bowl bid. Unfortunately, injuries derailed the plans.
Now, reloaded for the 2025 season, Houston has already started to witness injury scares as Stroud was found not throwing at the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) due to a reported injury.
Texans OC Addresses Concerns Around C.J. Stroud Not Throwing in OTAs
The Texans fans were understandably worried to see backup quarterback Davis Mills run the offense while Stroud stood watching from the sidelines. The 23-year-old did some handoffs but spent a lot of time off to the side alongside offensive coordinator Nick Caley.
Caley addressed Stroud’s health status during a press conference and said there were “no concerns whatsoever” with the QB not throwing at OTAs.
“Yeah, he’s locked in every step of the way,” Caley said. “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.”
‘No concerns whatsoever’ #Texans OC Nick Caley on status of C.J. Stroud. Not throwing, did handoffs, no obvious discomfort. @KPRC2 https://t.co/eaRZ1qYKHc pic.twitter.com/7tFwSEDcWj
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 30, 2025
However, there is reportedly an injury involved. According to local reporter Aaron Wilson, the QB is dealing with a tight pectoral muscle, but it “isn’t regarded as a long-term issue and he could return to increased activity at practice as soon as next week.”
Stroud is entering his third year in the NFL and will be looking to bounce back from the sophomore slump. The Texans’ franchise player went from the longest streak of passes without an interception to a turnover machine in 2024. Stroud finished the regular season with 12 consecutive qualifying games without grading above a C on PFSN’s QB+ rating.
Losing the likes of Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell ahead of the playoffs due to injuries also stunted their offensive variety. However, the Texans have added plenty of weapons this offseason, and have a new look receiver room in 2025 with Nico Collins and second-round rookie Jayden Higgins serving as top targets for Stroud.
Houston also added two more talented receivers by trading for Christian Kirk and drafting Jaylin Noel in the third round. The Texans have fallen consecutively in the Divisional Round in the last two seasons, and with their new additions on offense, all eyes will be on Stroud to lead them on a deeper postseason run.