Houston Texans news: Injuries hitting hard, Dell's connection with Stroud, Keenum honored

The Houston Texans are prepping for the Jacksonville Jaguars this week and hope to avoid an 0 - 3 start but it's not looked great for the underdog Texans. But there are certainly some bright spots that we've seen so far in the young 2023 NFL season. We've talked about how hard it is for teams to make the playoffs after starting 0 - 3, so if the Texans can pull off the upset, it would be a huge win against a division rival. It's going to be a tall task though but let's get into the news and updates.

Injury bug has infested the Houston Texans

The list of players that are out this week is a significant list of not just starters but key players on both sides of the ball. Players that are capable of game changing players, but the Texans will need to find plays elsewhere. The list of players already ruled are out listed below.

Denzel Perryman - MLB
Jalen Pitre - S
Tavierre Thomas - CB
Derek Stingley Jr. - CB
Laremy Tunsil - OT

The Texans were already going to have a tough time against the Jaguars but now will be asked to avoid a 0 - 3 start with one hand tied behind their back. Can they pull of the upset, sure but it's likely going to have to be due to some heroics from their offense with so much of the defense on the sidelines.

Tank Dell and C.J. Stroud are building a connection on and off the field

From the moment the Texans moved up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Tank Dell, the hype began almost immediately. Dell was expected to come in and contribute in the slot right away. He made some plays in preseason and throughout practices. His NFL debut wasn't anything excited, but he continues to grow and develop every day.

In Week Two against the Indianapolis Colts, Dell had a fantastic day. He recorded seven receptions, 72 yards and a touchdown. So far on the season he has ten receptions on 14 targets and 106 yards, with one touchdown. He and Stroud are beginning to show a special bond on the field, but this bond extends beyond the game.

"C.J., that's my guy. Ever since we first connected, we have been tight. We are always checking in on each other. I know on the field we were going to click. But we have developed a relationship where off the field, we can hang around each other all day and have fun."

Tank Dell

If Dell and Stroud can build off their respective performances from last week, one of the them as a very real shot at earing the NFL Rookie of the Year award. More importantly, Stroud may have his go-to guy for years to come.

Case Keenum is inducted into the University of Houston Hall of Fane

Keenum was without question, one of the best quarterbacks to play in the college ranks. He holds the NCAA record for passing yards at 19,217 passing yards and total yards with 20,114. He's the only NCAA Division 1 quarterback to throw for more than 5,000 yards in three different seasons.

The collegiate accolades don't stop there with the Keenum either. He was a two-time Sammy Baugh award winner among owning other NCAA, conference and Houston Cougards passing records. At the NFL level, he's known most for his 61-yard touchdown to Stefon Diggs with the Minnesota Vikings, a play known as the Minneapolis Miracle.

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