Oh, no! A Texans defender got too close to CJ Stroud during Saturday’s practice and stepped on his foot. This is the reason why quarterbacks wear a red jersey. No contact allowed.
Those on the scene reported that Stroud limped through a few plays. But he apparently did not suffer a significant injury. However, he may give a side eye to Foley Fatukasi, the Texans defensive tackle who signed with the team in the off season. It has to hurt when a 318-pound man steps on your foot.
Houston coach DeMeco Ryans said after practice that Stroud is fine. No need to worry.
“No concern on C.J. at all,” Ryans told reporters. “He is doing great. Having a great camp. No concern with C.J. at all. He is doing great.”
Stroud never left the field after the accidental misstep. He walked it off and reporters said he returned to normal within a few plays.
Oddsmakers say Texans quarterback is top contender for NFL MVP
Stroud, the former Ohio State star, enjoyed a sensational season last year as he helped turn a mediocre Texans team into the AFC South champions. Houston selected Stroud with the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year trophy as the Texans went from having the second-worst record in the NFL in 2022 to the second round of the AFC playoffs in 2023.
Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns against only five interceptions. For context, he averaged 273.9 passing yards a game, which was an NFL best.
Because he enjoyed such a fabulous rookie season, expectations are sky high for the Texans and their young quarterback. Before training camp started, oddsmakers believed Stroud was the top challenger to Patrick Mahomes for NFL MVP.
The Texans added more talent to the roster to make an even bigger run in the playoffs. Houston traded for former Bills receiver Stefon Diggs and got running back Joe Mixon from the Bengals.
They also added a big disruptor on defense when the Texans signed Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter, who grew up in Houston. Minutes after drafting Stroud last year, the Texans selected former Alabama star Will Anderson, who won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Hunter and Anderson could be quite the pass rushing tandem.
Meanwhile, Fatukasi is hoping to stick around Houston. The Jaguars cut him back in March for financial reasons. Coincidentally, Jacksonville waived him on his birthday.
