CJ Stroud injury update: DeMeco Ryans has ‘no concerns’ about ‘general soreness’

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans dished the latest on CJ Stroud as he continues to work through a nagging injury. The third-year quarterback has not been throwing during this phase of the team’s OTAs.

However, Ryans is not concerned and this is simply precautionary. The Houston franchise quarterback has led the Texans to the AFC Divisional Round in back to back seasons and the expectation is at least that and then some.

But if Stroud is banged up, it’s fair to worry about the team a little bit. Still, training camp is over a month away and Ryans brushed off any worry.

“There’s no concerns with C.J., it’s just general soreness,” Ryans said. “We’re taking extra precaution with him, but he’ll be good to go. No concerns on my end there.”

Stroud has been highly productive in two years with the Texans. Coming out of Ohio State, it seemed like he was ready to go from the start. But, when will he throw a football again?

“When he’s ready to go, he’ll be ready to go,” Ryans said. So right now, as Ryans said, Stroud is still on the mend. Precautionary of course.

Stroud, at least in terms of the stats, regressed a little bit during Year 2. Still, he led the Texans to a playoff win for the second straight year.

Stroud threw for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 63.2% completion percentage in 2024. In two years, he has 7,835 yards, 43 touchdowns, 17 interceptions and a 63.5% completion percentage.

Stroud will have to be protected next year if Houston wants to succeed. The Texans recent;y overhauled the offensive line to improve the pass protection.

Houston traded Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders, Kenyon Green to the Philadelphia Eagles and Shaq Mason was released. They signed Cam Robinson, Trent Brown and Laken Tomlinson in free agency.

Not only that, Stroud will see new faces in Ed Ingram, whom they traded for, and rookie Aireontae Ersery. Ersery was drafted with the No. 48 overall pick out of Minnesota.

Once Stroud returns, Houston’s brass will no doubt feel better. But, they’ll have to wait and see for now as he nurses his shoulder soreness. Davis Mills, Graham Mertz and Kedon Slovis are the other listed QBs on the roster.