Ryans said he hopes his quarterback is fine after not seeing him following the game.
C.J. Stroud’s status does not appear to be a major concern for the Houston Texans following Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Stroud briefly appeared to be limping after the game, prompting questions about whether the quarterback had suffered an injury during Houston’s 20-6 loss. However, Stroud addressed the situation himself afterward, describing what he was dealing with as normal “bumps and bruises.”
Now, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has provided further clarification on Stroud’s status.
“I haven’t seen him. Hopefully, he’s fine,” Ryans said.
Ryans’ comments provide additional context after Stroud already indicated that there was nothing significant to be concerned about following the game. The Texans also don’t appear to be treating the situation as a major injury concern at this point.
Still, Stroud’s health is something worth monitoring throughout the week as Houston prepares for Week 3 against the 0-2 Indianapolis Colts.
The quarterback took plenty of punishment against Cincinnati, getting sacked four times while attempting 55 passes. Despite the pressure, Stroud finished with 353 passing yards, completing 30 of his 55 attempts.
He did not throw a touchdown or an interception.
Stroud also contributed as a runner, picking up 29 yards on three carries.
The yardage through the air was encouraging, but the Texans couldn’t turn it into points. Houston scored just six points in the loss, with the offense unable to consistently finish drives despite Stroud throwing for more than 350 yards.
The four sacks were a huge problem for Houston. Cincinnati’s defense was able to get to Stroud repeatedly, creating difficult situations for the Texans’ offense and limiting its ability to sustain drives.
Ultimately, the Texans’ offensive struggles were about much more than Stroud’s postgame limp.
The next few days will provide a better indication of how Stroud is feeling physically.
For now, however, there is no indication that the he is dealing with a significant injury. Stroud characterized the issue as normal usual postgame soreness, and Ryans’ comments serve as further clarification from the Texans’ head coach after the game.
That distinction is important.
It’s worth initial concern after seeing Stroud limp after a physically demanding game, but the quarterback’s own comments offered reassurance. Ryans has now addressed the situation as well, while acknowledging that he had not yet seen Stroud following the game.
The Texans have plenty to address offensively heading into next week. But based on the comments from Stroud and Ryans, his health does not currently appear to be an immediate concern.
