Texans Nation

How long will one of CJ Stroud's protectors be out?

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud will breathe major sigh of relief after injury update on $20 million teammate Houston Texans right tackle Braden Smith was carted off the field at joint practice on Wednesday, but the update is good for the tackle.

Opposing offense is cooked

Even a giant isn't immune to pain.

Texans' anchor Braden Smith faced a plantar fascia scare, a testament to the grit demanded by the trenches.

But reports suggest it's more of a momentary setback than a war-ending wound.

The battle-worn warrior will soon be back in the line of duty, guarding the front lines with renewed fervor.

This isn't just a physical hurdle; it's a mental test of resilience, and Smith's return will be a testament to his unbreakable spirit and dedication to his teammates.

Watch for this colossal presence to storm back onto the field, readier than ever to dominate and inspire.

Cannot wait to see him get to work!

clutchpoints.com

High energy and hard work never go unnoticed. DeMeco Ryans highlights Xavier Hutchinson for bringing contagious confidence and making big plays out on the field every day. 💪🔥

The Texans are heading into 2026 looking to build on a 12-5 campaign that took them to the Divisional Round last season.

Houston managed to remain among the AFC's contenders despite an offense that struggled to find consistency at times, with one of the NFL's best defenses playing a major role in the team's success.

Here were the Texans' scoring touchdown leaders during the 2025 season:

💙 Nico Collins — 7 TDs
❤️ Jayden Higgins — 6 receiving TDs
💙 Woody Marks — 6 TDs
❤️ Dalton Schultz & Xavier Hutchinson — 3 receiving TDs
💙 Nick Chubb — 3 rushing TDs
❤️ Jaylin Noel — 2 receiving TDs
💙 C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills, Christian Kirk & Dare Ogunbowale — 1 TD

🛡️ Derek Stingley Jr. — 1 pick-six
🛡️ Will Anderson, Sheldon Rankins & Tommy Togiai — 1 fumble return TD

Collins led Houston with seven touchdowns, while Higgins made an immediate impact as a rookie with six receiving scores. Marks also scored six times, finding the end zone as a receiver, runner and even after recovering a fumble.

The defense contributed directly to the scoring as well, adding four touchdowns on interception and fumble returns during a year in which that unit helped carry Houston through some of its offensive inconsistencies.

The Texans eventually beat Pittsburgh in the Wild Card Round before their run ended against New England in the Divisional Round.

As the focus shifts to 2026, the offense will have to move forward without the retired Chubb and, more importantly, without Higgins, who will miss the season after suffering an ACL injury.

If Houston can get more consistency from its offense while maintaining its defensive level, this team has plenty of reason to aim even higher in the AFC.

💙❤️🐂

Two Texans carted off during same play

Texans’ newly minted $20 million man among 2 players carted off practice field at same time The Texans can't catch a break when it comes to injury issues. Two of their players were carted off the field at the same time.

Look at Nico Collins. So inspirational 👀

The Texans front office just made a sneaky-good move by trading for Kayshon Boutte.

After Jayden Higgins suffered an ACL injury during joint practices, Houston needed a quick, high-upside solution.

And acquiring Boutte is an absolute steal.

He brings legitimate downfield speed and big-play ability, coming off a strong 2025 season where he posted 551 yards and 6 touchdowns.

At just 24 years old, Boutte gets a fresh start in a scheme with plenty of targets up for grabs.

A savvy piece of business by Nick Caserio to patch up the receiving corps right before the season kicks off.

Houston Texans' 53-man roster prediction: bit.ly/Texans53ManRoster