Texans Drop Second Consecutive Game In Loss To Colts

After coming into Week 2 questionable with a shoulder injury, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud will make his second career start.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans will host the Indianapolis Colts for their 2023 home opener at NRG Stadium. Despite entering the game as questionable, C.J. Stroud will make his second career start.

Stroud had a solid debut against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 10 at M&T Bank Stadium.

He finished the game throwing for 242 yards while completing 63.6 percent of his passes. Stroud's lone turnover was the outcome of a strip sack due to playing behind a depleted offensive line.

Stroud's performance earned the respect of the Baltimore Ravens and teammates. According to Pro Football Focus, Stroud finished Week 1 of the regular season as the highest-graded rookie quarterback, registering an evaluation of 55.2.

The first quarter for Stroud was rough. But once he gained his composure in the second period, Stroud displayed the skill set that led to the Texans drafting him with the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

He executed three drives that led to field goals. Stroud's best series under center came early in the second quarter, where the Texans notched 67 yards in 15 plays.

Despite receiving the highest grade for all rookie quarterbacks, Stroud left Week 1 without throwing a touchdown pass. Colts' Anthony Richardson (49.3) and Carolina Panthers' Bryce Young (31.4) ended their rookie debuts with at least one touchdown pass.

Richardson scored twice during the Colts' Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He rushed for a two-yard touchdown to open the second quarter.

"It was football at the end of the day," Stroud said. "Just getting out of the huddle, getting the plays clean, getting guys lined up and getting the play clock, things like that.

"I think those are the things that kind of hindered us a little bit. And then, just being more efficient in the red zone. So those are things I would definitely get better on."

Live game updates will appear here after kickoff...

1st quarter:

The Texans nearly had a takeaway on the first play of the game. Richardson completed a pass to Michael Pittman, but M.J. Stewart almost forced a fumble. The Colts would finish the drive in 10 yards. Richardson rushed up the middle for an 18-yard touchdown.

Colts 7, Texans 0

Three and out for the Texans. The drive ended with Josh Jone giving up a sack to Dallis Flowers. The sack resulted in a fumble by Stroud, which led to the first turnover of the game for the Texans.

Turnover

The Colts were able to take advantage of the Texans' turnover with a 15-yard rushing touchdown by Richardson. 

Colts 14, Texans 0

The Texans had a successful drive during their second series of the game. Stroud led Houston on a 68-yard drive in 13 plays. The rookie quarterback finished the series with his first career touchdown after finding wide receiver Nico Collins in the end zone.

Colts 14, Texans 7

Three and out for the Colts

Punt

Three and out for the Texans. Houston's drive ended with Stroud receiving his second sack of the game. 

Punt

End of 1st

2nd Quarter

Three and out for the Colts. 

Punt

Despite a 10-yard run by Dameon Pierce, the Texans' offense did not do much on their latest drive. 

Punt

Gardner Minshew replaced Richardson at quarterback. The former rookie prospect from Florida is currently being evaluated for a concussion. Minshew led the Colts on a 76-yard drive in six plays, which ended with running back Zack Moss rushing for an 11-yard touchdown. The most significant play came when Minshew connected with tight end Will Mallory for an 18-yard gain.

Colts 21, Texans 7

Stroud had a pair of great passes during the Texans' latest drive. He first connected with Collins for a 24-yard gain. And later, Stroud found Robert Woods for a 19-yard reception. The drive ended with the Texans nailing a 29-yard field goal. 

Colts 21, Texans 10

The Colts recorded their fourth touchdown following Minshew's four-yard pass to tight end Kylen Granson. 

Colts 28, Texans 10

Halftime

3rd Quarter:

The Texans had a terrible start to the second half. Houston recorded 24 yards in nine plays. 

Punt

The Texans allowed the Colts to record 56 yards in nine plays during their latest defensive drive. Indy finished the drive by completing a 42-yard field goal. 

Colts 31, Texans 10

End of 3rd

4th Quarter

The Texans had one of their most successful drives of the game. Houston recorded 57 yards in 13 plays. Texans drilled a 36-yard field goal. 

Colts 31, Texans 13

Three-and-out for the Colts. 

Punt

The Texans recorded their second touchdown of the game. Stroud led Houston on a 67-yard drive in five plays. He connected with rookie wide receiver Tank Dell for a 23-yard touchdown.

Colts 31, Texans 20

The Colts recorded 22 yards in five plays. 

Punt

The Texans recorded 55 yards in 11 plays during their latest series. Houston ended the drive with a missed 51-yard field goal. 

Turnover on down

Three-and-out for the Colts. 

Punt

The Texans recorded 45 yards during their final drive of the game.

End of Game