During the Houston Texans’ initial day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), quarterback C.J. Stroud did not take part in the critical 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills, raising some eyebrows about his availability. However, head coach DeMeco Ryans quickly addressed these concerns, emphasizing that Stroud’s limited participation is part of a planned approach with no underlying issues.
Ryans explained that players are following individual schedules to manage their workload and recovery.
“Some guys will be, some guys will be on different snap count, different pitch count, so there is nothing going on right now with any of our guys. Everyone is just on their own schedule,”
he said.
Defensive End Aireontae Ersery’s Arrival Generates Excitement Among Texans’ Ranks
Alongside Stroud’s cautious start, second-round draft pick Aireontae Ersery has been drawing attention from teammates eager to face him in practice. Defensive end Will Anderson expressed enthusiasm about Ersery’s presence on the field, highlighting his notable physical attributes and athleticism.
“He is a large human being. I think he is going to be really good for us,”
Anderson remarked.
“I am happy he is here. Just seeing him today going against our guys, very athletic, can move, can bend, and I am excited to see what he does and going against him. Just like Coach always says, iron sharpens iron.”
Jaguars’ Veteran Emmanuel Ogbah Earns Praise from Defensive Coordinator
Elsewhere in the NFL, the Jacksonville Jaguars have welcomed veteran defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, who has impressed defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile during OTA sessions. Campanile lauded Ogbah not only for his competitiveness and technical skills in rushing the passer and defending the run but also for his positive influence on younger players.
Campanile shared,
“He’s such a great human being, and if you’ve had the chance to be around him, he really is a great guy. Super competitive guy but a technician on the field–run game, pass game. He’s been great for a lot of our younger players too, because he’s got a great skill set, but he’s got a wealth of knowledge and has had a ton of success in his career to this point, and knows a lot of the stuff that we’re doing in this system. I love Ogbah. I was really, really fired up about getting him here, and I’m happy he’s here.”
He elaborated on Ogbah’s impact, saying,
“Because that guy, when you go back at the end of the year, that guy has a ton of production for you–the next guy in. Emmanuel is a guy that we gain a ton when he’s out on the field. Like I said, a wealth of knowledge, great competitor, we have a really great guy against the run, and a guy that’s had a lot of success in his career as a pass rusher. So that was a really important piece for us.”
Titans Utilize Virtual Reality to Boost Rookie QB Cam Ward’s Preparation
The Tennessee Titans are incorporating advanced virtual reality (VR) technology into their offseason program to enhance rookie quarterback Cam Ward’s mental reps. Head coach Brian Callahan explained how this technology allows Ward to increase his practice volume without physical strain, enabling him to work through plays rapidly from home.
“It enables a QB to get real processing mental reps. He can work the same play against six different coverages. He can essentially double his practice reps sitting on his couch. It’s got real-time disguises, it’s our own plays in our terminology, so he can verbally hear the call, repeat it, and then rep it. All while not taking any physical reps on his legs, arm or body,”
Callahan said.
Callahan noted that this investment in VR training was underway before Ward was drafted, stating,
“Drafting Cam wasn’t a precursor to investing in it.”
He added,
“I had actually met with the company during my time in Cincinnati. Not every QB is into VR. Most veteran quarterbacks don’t see the need. But with the potential to bring in a young QB—with more guys using it in college—we did a lot of work on it this offseason. It felt like it would be worth our time and could only help.”
The coach praised quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree for taking the lead on integrating VR into the team’s training methods, describing his efforts to research and collaborate with other programs familiar with the technology.
“It was something I’d looked into previously, but Bo Hardegree led the charge on the research. He went down to LSU to meet with a guy there, and talked to lots of people who have used it.”
Managing Player Health and Performance Through Customized OTA Plans
The differing participation levels among players, including Stroud’s limited activity, underline how NFL teams prioritize player health during the demanding offseason. By adjusting snap counts and practice intensity according to individual needs, coaching staffs aim to keep players fresh and avoid injuries ahead of the regular season.
This careful management ensures key contributors like Stroud are ready when the season begins, while newcomers such as Ersery acclimate to the professional level. The Texans’ approach, as emphasized by Ryans, confirms the importance of personalized training regimens during OTAs to build a competitive and healthy roster.
Implications for Texans and Wider NFL Offseason Trends
As C.J. Stroud and the Texans progress through their OTA schedule with careful oversight, the team’s approach reflects a broader NFL trend of utilizing technology and individualized care to optimize player performance. Meanwhile, the Jaguars’ confidence in Emmanuel Ogbah’s experience and the Titans’ commitment to virtual reality training for Cam Ward demonstrate how teams are blending veteran leadership with cutting-edge methods.
With multiple franchises innovating in player development and health management, the upcoming season may reveal how these strategies translate to on-field success, especially for rising talents like Stroud and Ward. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as offseason training evolves into regular-season play.