Texans' DeMeco Ryans Wants To See C.J. Stroud 'Not Blink' In Preseason Debut

Coach DeMeco Ryans wants to see rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud continue his ongoing development during the Houston Texans' preseason opener against the Patriots.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans will play their first preseason game of 2023 Thursday night against the New England Patriots. And at Gillette Stadium, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud will take his first snap under center in the NFL.

Coach DeMeco Ryans understands the anticipation for Stroud's first game. But Ryans would like to see his rookie quarterback "continuing to stay on the same track" as his ongoing development showcased in training camp.

"As C.J. goes out in his first game, as with all our rookies – what do I want to see from those guys," Ryans said. "I just want to see those guys not blink. I want to see them go out and continue to do what they’ve done in practice, not try to make too many big plays or try to put the team – it’s just about them focusing on their craft and what they’re doing."

Stroud will be the first rookie quarterback to start a preseason game for the Texans since David Carr in 2002. But unlike Carr, who started all 16 games his rookie season, Ryans has not officially named Stroud Houston's starting quarterback for 2023.

Ryans said Davis Mills will receive snaps against the Patriots, and there is a chance the 24-year-old quarterback could start for the second preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 19. 

"This has been an ongoing process — there’s no rash decision that was made," Ryans said. "It’s the first preseason game and that’s where we’re going. We’ll see – you guys will see guys play in this game, that’s not to say – you guys will see a lot of guys play in this game."

The Texans drafted Stroud with the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. He finished his career at Ohio State throwing for 8,123 yards while completing 69.3 percent of his passes for 85 touchdowns and a dozen interceptions.

Stroud put on a clinic in his final game despite the Buckeyes falling 42-41 in a Peach Bowl loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. Stroud finished with 348 yards and four touchdowns while completing 23-of-34 pass attempts in a memorable finale.

---

You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here

Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook

Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnTexans today! Click here To Listen.

Want even more Houston Texans news? Check out the SI.com team page here.