CJ Stroud injury update: Houston Texans QB returns to practice after shoulder soreness

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud returned to practice Tuesday after he recently sat out with shoulder soreness. The third-year man said he was fine and there’s nothing to be concerned about.

Basically, the QB echoed the comments of head coach DeMeco Ryans when Stroud was originally sitting out due to soreness. The quarterback said it was much ado about nothing.

That’s good news for the Texans and the fans, whose success hinges a lot on the franchise player. Stroud addressed media members on site Tuesday during the first minicamp practice.

“I was already throwing — before you guys see me out there — pretty normally,” Stroud said, via KHOU. “I think y’all don’t have much to talk about so everything just gets blown up in the offseason. I’m fine, man. I’m really OK.”

Stroud also mentioned that his issue was “not as bad” as you would think. When a quarterback sits out due to soreness in a throwing shoulder, it can be seen as very vague so people will run off with theories about the extent of the injury.

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.

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.

Davis Mills, Graham Mertz and Kedon Slovis are the other listed QBs on the roster. But with Stroud back, there’s no need to worry at this time.