The Houston Texans' 2025 organized team activities (OTAs) are officially underway, giving fans a glimpse at how general manager Nick Caserio's offseason moves are paying off. As excited as the Texans fanbase has been for the latest offseason phase, one name who hasn't been participating as much as expected is quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Fans were concerned as Stroud watched Friday's practice from the sidelines, raising questions about his availability for the remainder of OTAs. The last thing the Texans need is for their No. 1 QB to miss any significant practice time during the summer; however, that hasn't stopped some fans from fearing the worst.
Fortunately, all signs point to the former Ohio State signal-caller making a quick recovery.
Texans Aren't Concerned by C.J. Stroud Injury During OTAs
Following Friday's practice, KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson reported that "Stroud is dealing with a minor shoulder muscle issue" and that his lack of practice participation is a "precautionary measure."
"It isn’t regarded as a long-term issue and Stroud could return to increased activity at practice as soon as next week," Wilson wrote.
#Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud not throwing due to tight shoulder muscle, not considered serious: ‘No concerns whatsoever’
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 30, 2025
Could return to activity as soon as next week @KPRC2 https://t.co/hSC1cJaoj0
While he's been limited to less physical exercises, such as warm-ups and resistance-related activities, Stroud felt comfortable enough to participate in hand-off drills. Once all was said and done, Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley made it clear the team has "no concerns whatsoever" regarding their franchise QB's outlook.
"Everybody has a specific routine relative to their own routine, specific to whatever," Caley said. "Whether it’s football, whether it’s athletic training, etc., (Stroud's) doing a great job and he’s out here and he’s working."
It's encouraging to know Stroud's trending in the right direction, especially after an underwhelming 2024 performance. After earning Pro Bowl and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, the 23-year-old QB followed up that performance with only 3,727 passing yards, 20 touchdowns (to 12 interceptions), and an 87.0 passer rating in 17 starts for the Texans in Year 2.
Injuries to his supporting cast and an abysmal offensive line contributed to that performance, but Stroud won't have that excuse again come September. The Texans did an excellent job at rebuilding the O-line and the wide receiver room through free agency and the 2025 NFL draft, leaving it up to Stroud to prove he can take advantage of his improved situation.
A healthy campaign from Stroud is also needed if Houston is going to bring home another division title. The Texans' odds of doing so look pretty good as May ends, as they're currently FanDuel Sportsbook's +115 favorite to win the AFC South for the third consecutive season.