Houston vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Can C.J. Stroud Has 'Trust’ Texans vs. T.J. Watt?

C.J. Stroud has confidence in the banged-up Houston Texans offensive line against its toughest test of the season in Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt.

The best edge rushers the Houston Texans have faced so far in each game this season have been Baltimore's Odafe Oweh, Indianapolis' Samson Ebukam and Jacksonville's Josh Allen.

With all due respect to those players, none hold a candle to Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt, whom the Texans will be facing this weekend. His rushing mate, Alex Highsmith, is no slouch, either, getting four hits on the quarterback this season.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud seems unfazed by the challenge ahead and understands he has a role in preventing Pittsburgh's pass rush from wrecking their game plan.

CJ VS. TJ

"I have trust and faith in my guys, and my job is to get the ball out, play on time and do whatever it takes to execute," Stroud said. "Both 90 and 56, definitely two dogs, and even up front their D-tackles are really good, too, but this isn't our first time playing against two good D-ends."

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt (90) rushes Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) at Acrisure Stadium Jan. 8, 2023. The Steelers won 28-14 / USA TODAY Sports

Stroud gave Watt his flowers, saying that, behind Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons, he's "probably the best defensive player in the league."

The QB said Houston's offense has "got to be aware of him" on every snap — a responsibility that falls on his shoulders even more with the Texans potentially missing both starting tackles for the third week in a row.

Right tackle Tytus Howard is still on injured reserve through this week after getting hand surgery, while left tackle Laremy Tunsil did not practice Thursday still rehabbing a knee injury.

Tunsil's replacement, Josh Jones, also has not practice each of the past two days with a hand injury. Both of their statuses for this weekend's game against the Steelers are unknown.

Houston tried to nip this in the bud by signing tackle Geron Chrisitian to the practice squad this week, as he and Austin Deculus might be promoted to the active roster for Sunday's game.

Despite the down-on-their-luck circumstances on Houston's offensive line for yet another week, Stroud isn't making excuses or backing down from the challenge against the league's sack leader.

"We've got to have confidence in what we're doing," Stroud said. "They've got to play us, too. We're not just going to lay down and submit because [Watt]'s the best player. We're really good players on this side, too. I'm looking forward to competing against those guys, but I got to do my part in playing clean."

Houston and Pittsburgh kick off Sunday at noon at NRG Stadium - on what happens to be the day JJ Watt, TJ’s big brother, is going in the Texans Ring of Honor. The game will be broadcast on CBS.