Notebook: Texans Rookie Duo 'Blessed' to Be Back in Home Victory vs. Titans

Rookies C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. returned from their respective injuries to help the Houston Texans take a 26-3 victory over the Titans.

HOUSTON — Fans at NRG Stadium were hyped three hours before witnessing the Houston Texans' 26-3 victory against the Tennessee Titans. Fans were thrilled to welcome rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud back to the field.

Stroud had missed the previous two games due to a concussion sustained on Dec. 10 against the New York Jets. But as fans celebrated Stroud's return, coach DeMeco Ryans was just as excited.

"It was encouraging to see C.J. during practice," Ryans said. "He was making the correct reads and throws in practice. He looked like he was back to himself. He stepped out here today and did the same thing."

The Texans did not place limitations on Stroud, and the results led to the rookie quarterback finishing the game, going 24 of 32 for 213 yards. His lone touchdown of the day came amid a 12-yard pass to tight end Brevin Jordan.

But each time Stroud received a snap, he made quicker decisions with the football. Stroud's precise decisions were a testament to the time he spent honing his skills from afar. His improvements came into play due to the Titans' ability to take Stroud's deep ball pass attempts away.

"It was a blessing this week to get back," Stroud said. "I was able to get back to my normal self really fast. My O-line did a great job of protecting me. We executed at a really high level. It felt great to be back and I want to continue building from here."  

C.J. Stroud (7) looks for a receiver against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas :: Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Will Anderson Jr. has a historic return:

Stroud wasn’t the only rookie who made his long-awaited return against the Titans. Will Anderson Jr. returned to the field after missing two games due to a highly sprained ankle.

Anderson was on a limited snap count. But despite the management, Anderson had one of his most impactful games of the season. He had a handful of pressures, which led to a pair of sacks for the former Alabama prospect.

With 43 seconds left in the second quarter, Anderson's seventh career sack broke the Texans' single-season record for a rookie. In addition to accounting for two of Houston's five sacks, Anderson also played a prominent role in helping the Texans hold the Titans to 53 rushing yards, with Derrick Henry leading the way with 42 yards on 12 carries.

"I am proud of Will," Ryans said. "He made a lot of impactful plays. Even though he is on a limited snap count, he was still able to affect the quarterback. He is an impact player. We missed him. I am proud of him and the season he is having."

Despite his return, Anderson played the majority of the game hurt. He relied upon his experience to help him stay in the game. Anderson said he kept thinking about what he needed to do to be a warrior for his teammates.

Playing against the Titans with an impaired ankle was not as challenging as the mental struggle that came with his two-week hiatus.

"That was the hardest," Anderson said. "I am the type when I am watching the game of my team, I get so anxious. I want to be out there. I want to be out there. It was very hard to watch those games. 

"But, it was all about learning how to be a pro. Over these last two weeks, I was able to dive deeper into my tape and look at things I can get better at. It was good to lock in on my faith. Trust in God while believing that He doesn't make mistakes."

#Texans Will Anderson Jr. talks playing through pain vs. the Titans. pic.twitter.com/oG77haOTpK

— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) December 31, 2023

Texans stay in the playoff hunt:

By defeating the Titans, the Texans are still in the hunt for the 2023 postseason, which will mark their first playoff berth since 2019. Unfortunately for Houston, the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars are also still in the running after winning their respective games.

The Colts, Jaguars, and Texans are entering Week 18 tied for first place in the AFC South with a 9-7 record. The Jaguars will close the regular season in a match against the Titans. The Colts and Texans will face each other amid the season finale at Lucas Oil Stadium.

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"I am just thankful to be in this position," Ryans said. "I am happy to change the Texans' trajectory for there to be some good news about the organization. We are headed in a good place. To be playing meaningful football this late means a lot."