11 Observations from Day Ten of Texans Training Camp

The Texans named a starter at QB for Thursday's preseason opener.

The Houston Texans were back on the field practicing as the game week gets started. It was a lighter practice with no pads.

Here are 11 observations from the workout on August 7.

1. Head coach DeMeco Ryans named C.J. Stroud the starter for Thursday. Ryans told the NFL Network when the Texans take on the Patriots in the preseason opener Stroud will get the start. It makes sense as yet again C.J. Stroud was the only quarterback getting reps with the first team.

2. Make no mistake, C.J. Stroud has earned the right to start. This was not given to Stroud. His consistency has been there and he’s outperformed Davis Mills in training camp. DeMeco Ryans said he wants Stroud to command the huddle and command the offense when he plays on Thursday. I have a video with a full breakdown of the news below.

3. The other huge news of the day is the injury to Tytus Howard. Howard has a broken hand he had surgery on Monday according to NFL Network. The game against the Ravens is 34 days away. It seems like there is a good chance Howard will miss the season opener and perhaps a couple of games after that. George Fant is the favorite to take Howard’s place while he is down. The depth at tackle is non-existent now with Charlie Heck working back from an injury. The offensive line can afford no more injuries at this point. UPDATE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter explains the recovery time is 4-6 weeks for Howard. If it is indeed just four weeks, the game against the Ravens is in play.

4. C.J. Stroud was a little erratic in practice on Monday. It wasn’t the crisp performance we’ve come to expect from him each day. Stroud corrected some of those early mistakes by the end of the drill. Later in 7-on-7 drills, Stroud was a little out in front of Dalton Schultz and John Metchie. Stroud has had better overall days.

5. The defense was flying around again after the offense had taken some ground back in recent practices. The highlight of the day for the defense had to be a coverage sack. There was just nowhere for C.J. Stroud to go with the ball. Everyone was covered. Stroud’s scramble was covered. Overall, the defense won the day.

6. Christian Harris was called a sideline-to-sideline linebacker by veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman. He constantly showcases it. Monday he had a pass breakup flying in at the last second to bat the ball away. He and safety Jalen Pitre flew in on a tackle for a loss. It will be interesting to see who starts with Harris at linebacker. The best linebacking units usually include Harris and rookie Henry To’oTo’o.

7. Devin Singletary has wiggle. I think I wrote it three times during Monday’s practice. It feels like he just finds seams and holes to run through. Sure, it was no pads, but there weren’t a lot of defenders getting hands on Singletary behind the line of scrimmage. He had a lot of reps after Dameon Pierce was a little shaken up.

8. Tank Dell had another nice couple of catches. The rookie’s quickness and ability to find space early in a play was key at times. One particular play he darted towards the sideline and Stroud quickly whipped his head around to find Dell. I don’t know if Dell will start, but he will be a utilized weapon for sure.

9. There was a funny moment with a referee at practice Monday. Nico Collins was flying down the sideline with Derek Stingley on him. C.J. Stroud had the pass come down a little behind Collins as the wideout tried to turn Derek Stingley was there. The official flew the flag but after some pleading from Stingley and general manager Nick Caserio, the ref waived off the penalty.

10. Will Anderson’s speed was on display on Monday. He has the suddenness to affect a number of plays, and his speed allows him to recover and make other plays if his initial play isn’t there. After getting stuffed initially by a blocker, Anderson looped around and found a hole in the middle of the offensive line to get right in C.J. Stroud’s face. Anderson’s rush forced a high throw.

11. C.J. Stroud might have had an up-and-down practice but he finished on a high note. Toward the end of the workout Stroud scanned the field and looked to have Dalton Schultz open. If he makes that throw Jalen Pitre is still running with an interception. Stroud saw the safety and moved to another throw which he completed to Nico Collins. Stroud later had pressure coming from defensive end Chase Winovich. Stroud eluded the rusher and as Winovich gave chase Stroud let one go over the middle to Nico Collins. I say touchdown, though I am sure the defenders near Collins would claim he would have been tackled short. Either way, growth and good plays towards the end of practice for Stroud.

The Texans will have a workout on Tuesday which will be their final workout before the game against the Patriots.