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DeMeco Ryans Raises Eyebrows With Latest Update on C.J. Stroud's Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 2:52 PM ET

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans shared an update regarding C.J. Stroud's injury recovery. The soon-to-be third-year player appears to have sustained this injury late last season during the Texans' Christmas Day matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Even though he didn't miss any games after that and stopped playing after the Kansas City Chiefs eliminated them in the divisional round, the situation doesn't seem that optimistic in the eyes of many.

Stroud hasn't thrown in any of the team's six practices during the offseason workouts and has instead handed the ball off to running backs.

David Mills is the one taking first-team snaps while Stroud continues recovering.

After Tuesday's practice session, Ryans addressed where Stroud stands right now. The coach revealed that his star is dealing with "general soreness" in his throwing shoulder.

“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.”

This update didn't sit well with many fans, who expressed their skepticism on X. They noted that feeling sore five months after his most recent competitive game doesn't seem like a good sign.

"'No concerns' for the QB not throwing passes yet because of his shoulder? Not buying that," one fan tweeted.

"Little early for soreness?" Another fan tweeted.

"Huston, we have a problem," a third fan tweeted.

"It’s June and there is no concerns? Dude hasn’t played since January and still has shoulder soreness?" A fan tweeted.

"Don’t play with people’s emotions like this CJ," a fan tweeted.

"I would definitely have concerns," a fan tweeted.

After a sophomore slump (63.9% completion for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2023 to 63.2% completion for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while playing two more games in 2024), Stroud is ready to bounce back and try to lead the Texans to a third consecutive AFC South championship.

With the Indianapolis Colts adding QB Daniel Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson, the Jacksonville Jaguars bringing in a new head coach and drafting CB/WR Travis Hunter and the Tennessee Titans picking QB Cam Ward, the division won't be as easy for Stroud and Co.

The 2025 season is still months away, but this situation is already raising concerns among fans.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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