The Houston Texans are two games into their 2023 season and while they haven't won a game yet, there have been some positives. The team is getting ready to take on division rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, before the team takes the field on Sunday, there are a few newsworthy items to take notice of.
C.J. Stroud suffered a shoulder injury recently but says he'll be ready to play on Sunday
Stroud was listed as a limited participant on this week's injury report; however, he also carried this same designation last week and he was a full go in Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts. I think it's safe to say, he'll be on the field again this Sunday when the Texans travel to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Stroud had a great game against the Colts despite the injury and doesn't seem to be affected in any way. If for some reason Stroud is unable to go, Davis Mills will get the call and while many fans may not be happy to hear that, Davis was able to defeat the Jaguars last season.
The Texans get two key players back on the field in practice this week
The Houston Texans have been without Jimmie Ward throughout the first two weeks of the season, and they were also missing left tackle Laremy Tunsil last Sunday. Both players were back at practice on Wednesday and will be much needed this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Will Anderson Jr is certainly excited to have Ward back.
"It was so exciting to have him back out there today, he brings so much energy to our defense. Having him back there again, it just means a lot."Will Anderson Jr.
Ward will give the Texans secondary a huge boost, which will be needed against Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars. Tunsil might be the single most important piece outside of Stroud on the offensive side, so getting these two guys back this week is a massive boost for the Houston Texans.
Nico Collins is fifth in the NFL for receiving yards
Collins was a popular choice among fans and experts to have a breakout season this year. He's entering his third season in the league and so far, the young receiver is showing why many believed in his talents coming into the 2023 season.
Just the beginning 📈 @lbg_nico7 is 5th in the NFL in receiving yards with 226 so far this season 🤘 pic.twitter.com/GUTkm6JVst
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 20, 2023
Collins has 226 yards receiving on the young season, which includes 13 receptions on 20 targets. He's recorded six receptions of over 20 yards, including a long of 32 yards. If he can keep this pace, he'll be a huge piece of the Texans offense and Stroud's go-to receiver.
Will Anderson has a message about leadership for student-athletes
Anderson was at Dick's House of Sports on Tuesday and spent time with the student-athletes from Royal High School. He took part in various drills with the football players and had an important message to deliver to high schoolers.
"How am I being a positive role model on the team? It doesn't matter if you are a freshman or a senior, what type of culture are you leaving for the younger guys? That is the type of challenge you have to hold yourself up to."Will Anderson Jr.
Anderson also spent time meeting with other fans during the event, taking pictures and signing autographs. Anderson's leadership is very apparent, and this attribute was not lost on his teammates, who voted the rookie edge defender as a team captain this season.