Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is willing to improvise whenever necessary.
“(I like) to stay in the pocket and deliver throws – that’s what I want to do,” Stroud said. “But at the same time, I feel like I am elite at scrambling and I can do it. I’ve put it on film. … I just try to make a play and have fun out there.”
Stroud and his teammates on Houston (2-0) might have to improvise part of their game plan when they visit the Minnesota Vikings (2-0) on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.
The Texans could be without several injured players, including star running back Joe Mixon (ankle), star wide receiver Nico Collins (hip/foot), running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) and center Juice Scruggs (groin), who were among those who did not practice on Wednesday. Backup tight end Brevin Jordan (knee) was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.
Minnesota also is monitoring injuries to key contributors including star wideout Justin Jefferson, who left last week’s game against the San Francisco 49ers because of a quadriceps injury and was limited on Wednesday. Starting running back Aaron Jones (hip) was also limited, while No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison is dealing with an ankle injury that forced him to miss the 49ers game and didn’t practice.
Starting outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (foot) was limited and his backup, Dallas Turner (knee), didn’t practice. Starting linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (quad) and starting center Garrett Bradbury (knee) were limited.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Jefferson took part in a walk-through to begin the week of practice and that he participated in limited drills.
“Hoping to get him a little bit more work throughout the week as we progress forward,” O’Connell said. “I know Justin is very much looking forward to getting an opportunity to play. So if we can avoid any setbacks or things like that throughout the week, you know, we’re hoping to have him. But a long way to go until Sunday.”
Meanwhile, O’Connell said Addison “is still in that day-to-day world where we just have to see how he responds. … Hopefully it progresses throughout the week.”
The Vikings will face a tough test against Houston, which is coming off back-to-back wins over the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears to start the season. The Texans have limited opponents to 20 points a game in 2024.
One reason for the Texans’ success on defense has been the addition of pass rusher Danielle Hunter, who signed with Houston after spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Vikings. Hunter has 1 1/2 sacks in his first two games with the Texans.
Houston coach DeMeco Ryans said Hunter would be extra motivated to go up against the Vikings in his old stadium this weekend.
“Everybody is hyped up to play against their old team,” Ryans said. “I speak from experience. (It happened) when I was with the Eagles and we came into Houston. It doesn’t change.”
Texans running back Cam Akers also will go up against one of his former teams, although he was with the Vikings for far shorter time than Hunter. Akers could step into a more prominent role this weekend if Mixon is ruled out with an ankle injury.
“I’m ready,” Akers said. “You don’t have to get ready when you stay ready. I’ve been preparing for this moment, and I’m ready for it. I’m ready to take advantage.”
As for the Vikings, quarterback Sam Darnold will try to maintain his impressive start to the season in his first year with the club. Darnold has posted a 111.7 passer rating while throwing for 476 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Stroud also has lifted his team to a perfect start through two weeks. He has a 104.7 passer rating to go along with 494 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Vikings are 5-0 all-time against the Texans. This is their first meeting since 2020.
–Field Level Media
