CJ Stroud to start final preseason game for Texans

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed Wednesday that rookie quarterback CJ Stroud will start in the final preseason game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday.

Ryans added that all the starters will see some action.

“As of right now, [the] plan is to get our first guys about two series and see how that goes and allow the younger guys to have a lot of work in that game,” Ryans said, via Pro Football Talk.

Stroud, the No. 2 overall selection in April’s NFL Draft out of Ohio State, has started each of Houston’s first two preseason games. In the preseason opener against the New England Patriots, he completed 2-of-4 passes for 13 yards and an interception. He saw more playing time against the Miami Dolphins, completing 7-of-12 passes for 60 yards.

“What I saw from C.J.’s throws was the ball was coming out on time, it was very accurate, the ball placement was very good,” Ryans said after the loss to Miami. “So it’s encouraging to see him from Week 1 to this week, to see the improvement, just overall seeing him more comfortable, and I saw him having fun playing the game. Seeing him be able to scramble outside of the pocket and make a play, it’s fun when you can see guys actually enjoying football, having fun, doing it. If he continues to grow, we’re gonna be just fine.”

DeMeco Ryans tight-lipped on QB competition between CJ Stroud, Davis Mills

Ryans has remained tight-lipped about the quarterback competition between Stroud and Davis Mills, declining to name a starter for Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 10.

“In everybody’s case, we’ll see who earns what and you’ll see our starters in Baltimore,” Ryans said. “With the starting and all those questions — nobody ever asked me who’s starting at linebacker or starting at safety or who’s going out there first. It’s all about the quarterback, right? So, I get it. But everybody is vying for a job here. I know we put the emphasis on the quarterback and that position, but man, we have to see who’s starting up front at D-line, who’s going to be starting on the O-line.

“Competition is all over our team for who wants to be the first guys going out there. And to me, that’s the only way I see it. Nobody is handed anything. For me, starters, you go out and prove to your teammates in practice every day, in the meeting rooms — how you show up to work every day, how you’re a leader, how you’re protecting the team, it’s more encompassing than just ball. We want guys who are dependable, guys we can count on when we line up so all 22 guys, who are those guys? We’re still figuring that out.”