Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is keen to improvise every time mandatory.
“(I like) to remain within the pocket and ship throws – that is what I wish to do,” Stroud mentioned. “However on the similar time, I really feel like I’m elite at scrambling and I can do it. I’ve put it on movie. … I simply attempt to make a play and have enjoyable on the market.”
Stroud and his teammates on Houston (2-0) may need to improvise a part of their recreation plan after they go to the Minnesota Vikings (2-0) on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.
The Texans could possibly be with out a number of injured gamers, together with star operating again Joe Mixon (ankle), star huge receiver Nico Collins (hip/foot), operating again Dameon Pierce (hamstring) and middle Juice Scruggs (groin), who had been amongst those that didn’t apply on Wednesday. Backup tight finish Brevin Jordan (knee) was positioned on injured reserve on Wednesday.
Minnesota is also monitoring accidents to key contributors together with star wideout Justin Jefferson, who left final week’s recreation towards the San Francisco 49ers due to a quadriceps damage and was restricted on Wednesday. Beginning operating again Aaron Jones (hip) was additionally restricted, whereas No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison is coping with an ankle damage that compelled him to overlook the 49ers recreation and did not apply.
Beginning outdoors linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (foot) was restricted and his backup, Dallas Turner (knee), did not apply. Beginning linebacker Ivan Tempo Jr. (quad) and beginning middle Garrett Bradbury (knee) had been restricted.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned Jefferson took half in a walk-through to start the week of apply and that he participated in restricted drills.
“Hoping to get him a bit of bit extra work all through the week as we progress ahead,” O’Connell mentioned. “I do know Justin could be very a lot trying ahead to getting a chance to play. So if we are able to keep away from any setbacks or issues like that all through the week, you recognize, we’re hoping to have him. However a protracted technique to go till Sunday.”
In the meantime, O’Connell mentioned Addison “continues to be in that day-to-day world the place we simply need to see how he responds. … Hopefully it progresses all through the week.”
The Vikings will face a troublesome take a look at towards Houston, which is coming off back-to-back wins over the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears to begin the season. The Texans have restricted opponents to twenty factors a recreation in 2024.
One purpose for the Texans’ success on protection has been the addition of cross rusher Danielle Hunter, who signed with Houston after spending the primary eight seasons of his profession with the Vikings. Hunter has 1 1/2 sacks in his first two video games with the Texans.
Houston coach DeMeco Ryans mentioned Hunter could be further motivated to go up towards the Vikings in his outdated stadium this weekend.
“Everyone is hyped as much as play towards their outdated crew,” Ryans mentioned. “I converse from expertise. (It occurred) once I was with the Eagles and we got here into Houston. It would not change.”
Texans operating again Cam Akers additionally will go up towards one in all his former groups, though he was with the Vikings for much shorter time than Hunter. Akers may step right into a extra outstanding function this weekend if Mixon is dominated out with an ankle damage.
“I am prepared,” Akers mentioned. “You do not have to prepare once you keep prepared. I have been getting ready for this second, and I am prepared for it. I am able to take benefit.”
As for the Vikings, quarterback Sam Darnold will attempt to keep his spectacular begin to the season in his first 12 months with the membership. Darnold has posted a 111.7 passer score whereas throwing for 476 yards, 4 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Stroud additionally has lifted his crew to an ideal begin by way of two weeks. He has a 104.7 passer score to go together with 494 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Vikings are 5-0 all-time towards the Texans. That is their first assembly since 2020.
–Discipline Degree Media