'I Ain't Tripping': Texans' C.J. Stroud Not Worried About Starting QB Job

The Houston Texans are the only team in the NFL who have not announced a starting quarterback for the 2023 season.

HOUSTON — Coach DeMeco Ryans announced C.J. Stroud as the starting quarterback for Sunday's exhibition match against the New Orleans Saints. 

Ryans said Stroud will play at least two series at The Caesars Superdome. But despite making his third consecutive start, Ryans and the Texans refuse to announce Stroud as the team's starting quarterback for the regular season.

The Texans are the only team in the league who have not announced their Week 1 starter. But Stroud isn't concerned with the delayed announcement.

"I ain't tripping — just do what's on my plate," Stroud said. "I'm not worried about anybody else's plate. I got to focus on what we got going on in this locker room and just getting better every day. 

"It's not about any of that stuff. It's about competing every day and just getting better. That's not my job. My job is to go out there and play. I got the fun stuff to do."

Stroud has been in a quarterback competition with the incumbent Davis Mills since the start of OTAs in May. But despite a few mishaps, Stroud has been the Texans' best quarterback.

The rookie prospect from Ohio State showcased his potential during the Texans' 28-3 preseason defeat to the Miami Dolphins Saturday afternoon at NRG Stadium.

Stroud played five series and finished the game with 60 yards while connecting on seven out of 12 attempts. 

His best drive of the game came with 5:30 left in the first quarter. Stroud led the Texans on a possession, where Houston recorded 61 yards in 11 plays. Following the game, Ryans said Stroud had shown "encouraging improvements." 

"Everybody is vying for a job here," Ryans said. "We know we put a lot of emphasis on the quarterback and that position, but we have to see who is going to be starting up front in the [defensive] line, who is going to be starting on the [offensive] line, [running] back – like, [there’s] competitions all over our team. 

"Nobody is handed anything. For me, starters – you go out and prove to your teammates in practice every day, in the meeting rooms."

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