C.J. Stroud Injury History & Updates

Bottom Line

After an incredible rookie season, the Texans are going all-in on rookie contract Stroud with upgrades to the offense and defense.

Trading for Stefon Diggs has pushed Stroud up draft boards as a top-7 QB option with arguably the best set of weapons in the NFL.

With an exceptional young OC in Bobby Slowik staying for his second year, there is major upside for Stroud due to his cerebral ability. Even without much rushing upside, he’s a good bet for at least mid-range QB1 production this year.

What We Learned Last Year

• Stroud finished as the QB12 in total fantasy points (254.5) and QB15 in points per game (15.9).
• Stroud’s 3,844 passing yards ranked ninth among QBs. His 21 passing TDs ranked 13th.
• He missed two games (Week 15-16) due to a concussion suffered in Week 14.
• Stroud had six top-12 finishes. He had only one QB25 or worse finish.
• Stroud’s per-game averages were excellent for a rookie:
  • 63.9% completion rate
  • 273.9 yards
  • 1.53 TDs
  • 0.33 INTs
  • 8.7 adjusted yards per pass attempt
• Among the 45 QBs with 135+ dropbacks, Stroud ranked:
  • 14th in Pro Football Focus passing grade (79.4)
  • 21st in Big Time Throw percentage (4.3%)
  • 27th in Turnover Worthy Play percentage (2.9%)
  • 10th in Time to Throw (2.93 seconds)
  • 16th in Completion Percentage Above Expectation (+0.9%)
• Stroud played behind an average O-line that ranked 19th in Pro Football Focus' pass-blocking grades.

What to Expect in 2024

• Stroud enters his second season with the Texans under HC DeMeco Ryans and OC Bobby Slowik.
• The Texans continued investing in the offense around Stroud by adding:
  • WR Stefon Diggs (trade)
  • RB Joe Mixon (FA)
  • OT Blake Fisher (2nd Round)
  • TE Cade Stover (4th Round)
• The Texans are expected to perform similarly to last season. They have the highest win total in the AFC South at 9.5 wins on most sportsbooks.
• They also have the eighth-highest odds to win the Super Bowl at +1600 on most sportsbooks, best in the division.
• Stroud enters his second season at 22 years old. According to our aging curve research, the average QB with Stroud’s career will produce at 91% of peak value at age-22.