Texans vs. Colts VIDEO: C.J. 1st Career TD Pass

The Houston Texans host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, and they'll be without critical pieces to the offensive line. ... but C.J. Stroud has nevertheless gotten his first NFL TD pass.

As the Houston Texans (0-1) host the Indianapolis Colts (0-1) on Sunday, they kick off the rivalry between two passers whose careers will inevitably be linked. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was taken second overall back in April. Two picks later, the Colts made quarterback Anthony Richardson the face of their franchise.

And both are off to good starts in Week 2 ... as Richardson has a pair of TD runs and as Stroud has recorded his first career TD pass, with Nico Collins on the receiving end of the eight-yard score in the first quarter.

Really impressive drive from CJ Stroud leading to his first TD Pass.

Love to see this. pic.twitter.com/4Dk7Diy5l1

— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) September 17, 2023

Two top-four picks, two AFC South rivals, and two teams desperate for their first win of the season. The comparisons are coming.

However, Houston’s injuries may dampen the fireworks for the home opener at NRG Stadium. Both starting safeties, Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward, were ruled out. Right tackle Tytus Howard, center Juice Scruggs, and guard Kenyon Green will all miss the Week 2 match. Even Stroud found himself on the injury report with a shoulder issue, though he’s expected to go on Sunday.

Texans fans should be concerned about Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart taking over Sunday’s game. There’s no question Houston is struggling to find continuity and healthy bodies up front. Stewart and fellow lineman DeForest Buckner are one of the best duos in football. They present a significant mismatch in Indianapolis’ favor.

“D.P. [Dameon Pierce] should touch the ball more than he did,” Texans offensive coordinator said. “We all want to see Dameon run. So that’s definitely something we want to do.”

Stewart, especially, is such a critical piece of the Colts’ run defense, and is set for a big game. Disrupting Pierce’s runs early and often can set Stroud and the offense off-schedule and well behind the sticks, where the offensive line is more prone to giving up pressure.

Houston’s injuries don’t mesh well with Indianapolis’ strengths. Fortunately for them, they boast head coach DeMeco Ryans’ prowess on the defensive side of the ball. The defense slowed down a high-powered Baltimore Ravens offense in last week’s 25-9 loss.

Against a less talented Colts team, still missing running back Jonathan Taylor, there’s reason to believe Ryans can keep this one close. Expect a fired-up Texans crowd to help.

WHAT: Houston Texans (0-1) vs Indianapolis Colts (0-1)

WHERE: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX (72,220)

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, 12 p.m. (CDT)

TELEVISION: FOX

RADIO: SportsRadio 610 AM, 100.3 FM The Bull

ODDS: Texans -1.5 (-110), -118 Moneyline, Total: 39.5 (o -110/u -110)