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Texans WR Shares Emphatic Message About C.J. Stroud Partnership Before NFL Season Opener

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Grunfeld | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 3:24 PM ET

In C.J. Stroud's sophomore season last year for the Houston Texans, he faced multiple challenges. His offensive line struggled, and his wide receiver core was plagued by injuries.

Wide receiver Tank Dell missed the team's last five regular-season games with a fractured fibula, and Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins, Stroud's favorite target, also missed five games. Despite the addition of wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Stroud struggled to match his rookie year's production.

Stroud, 23, remains an extremely talented quarterback, though. Last year, the former Ohio State Buckeye tallied a still respectable 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on a 63.2% completion rate.

Through all the ups and downs, Stroud and Collins maintained an elite connection, producing impressive numbers whenever both were on the field. Since Stroud's introduction to the NFL, Collins’ career has taken off with a combined 148 catches for 2,303 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Recently, Collins commented on his deep connection with Stroud.

“It’s like taking candy from a baby,” Collins said. “It’s bread and butter. It’s only right for us to continue to grow, continue to find the timing and continue to work on our craft."

Collins also discussed how his chemistry with Stroud is already at a top-tier level and that they just need to play their game to capitalize on it.

"I feel like we could be dangerous, man," Collins added. "I feel we all just go out there and be us. That's the main important thing, is go out and be you. Don't make the moment bigger than what it is and go out just have fun. Make plays for the team and that's what we're doing for sure."

Stroud's New Receiving Room

Stroud will need to adjust to a significantly different receiving corps in Year 3. The most notable change is the departure of Diggs to the New England Patriots in free agency.

Meanwhile, Dell remains sidelined, and receiver John Metchie III was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles this preseason. New additions to the wideout group include veteran slot receiver Christian Kirk and rookie draft picks Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, both from the Iowa State Cyclones.

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

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