The Houston Texans were happy to take C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. While there were some chatter whether Stroud or Bryce Young would go No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers., Stroud lucked out landing in Houston as he’s had instant success.
Stroud has led the Texans to two consecutive AFC South titles and two playoff wins in his first two years. The former Ohio State quarterback hs also had more success than his counterpart, Young, which makes it more puzzling why Stroud did not go first overall.
That said, Stroud will get another chance to face the Panthers twice during the preseason this summer.
C.J. Stroud to Square Off Against Bryce Young in Texans' Joint Practice with Panthers
On Tuesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reported that the Panthers will have one joint practice with the Texans before facing off against each other in Houston for their preseason matchup on Aug. 16.
The first time these two QBs played each other was their rookie year in 2023. The Texans lost 15-13 to the Panthers 15-13. Stroud completed 16-of-24 passes for 140 yards. He also had 13 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Meanwhile, Young completed 22-of-31 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown, while adding 11 yards on the ground.
Carolina will be the Texans’ second preseason matchup as they open the summer circuit on the road against the Minnesota Vikings.
Since Carolina and Houston will hold a joint practice, we might not see much of Stroud in the actual preseason game against the Panthers. However, a joint practice setting is still a good opportunity for Stroud to showcase his development heading into Year 3 for the Texans and the Panthers’ brass.
The next time Stroud and Young will face each other in the regular season will be in 2027.
The Texans are tentatively scheduled to play the NFC South in 2027, which could be great matchups, as Stroud could face the likes of Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons), Tyler Shough (New Orleans Saints), Young, and Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
That said, all eyes will be on the preseason matchup between the Panthers and Texans and the days of practice leading up to the game.