The Houston Texans have yet to declare their Week 1 starting quarterback, but C.J. Stroud will receive the nod in their preseason finale.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters Wednesday that the rookie will start Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. The August destination could bode well for Stroud, who also started Houston’s prior two preseason contests.
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans announced the QB CJ Stroud would start again in their third preseason game. With an eye toward the season…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2023
This year’s No. 2 pick dipped his toes in the NFL waters by completing two of four passes for 13 yards and an interception in an Aug. 10 drive against the New England Patriots. He stayed on the field longer when going 7-of-12 for 60 yards in Saturday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Stroud hasn’t formally won the job from Davis Mills, who started 26 Texans games in the last two seasons. The former third-round pick surrendered 15 interceptions in as many games last year.
Fellow rookies Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson have already been named Week 1 starters, and Stroud seems poised to join them. However, Ryans is in no rush to disclose his choice for who will play against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 10.
Stroud will begin Sunday night’s game inside the Superdome, which starts at 8 p.m. ET. FOX will televise the preseason matchup.