The Houston Texans have publicly downplayed the seriousness of starting quarterback C.J. Stroud’s shoulder injury sustained this summer, despite the ailment keeping him from throwing during offseason training activities. Although the team insists the injury is minor and does not require surgery, the lack of transparency has raised concerns among observers as the season approaches. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged the issue but emphasized a cautious approach, saying the team is not rushing Stroud’s return.
“That’s it for C.J., guys, on the question, that’s it,”
Ryans told reporters.
“It’s general soreness and we’re taking extra precaution with him. We’re not going to rush him into anything. He’ll be fine. When the moment for him to be ready to go, he’ll be ready to go.”
—DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans Head Coach
Stroud’s Role Remains Strong Despite Limited Throwing Activity
Although Stroud has not been throwing as frequently due to his shoulder concerns, Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk praised his leadership and presence within the team. Kirk highlighted Stroud’s engagement in the facility and in the locker room, acknowledging the quarterback’s maturity going into his third NFL season. Kirk expressed optimism about Stroud’s ability to motivate the offense once fully healthy.
“C.J. has been awesome,” Kirk said. “You can just tell by his presence in the locker room. Getting to know him in the facility and outside the facility and being able to spend some time with him. He is super humble, and he has had success over the past couple of years and it has been fun to watch.
Even if he is not involved you still see him listening to the calls going through certain things. If he sees a guy make a mistake or feels like they can do better, he is going up to them. That is big for a quarterback going into his third season. That is stuff you see from guys that have been in the league longer. It is really cool to see and when it is time for us to start rolling he is going to hop in and keep elevating us as an offense.” —Christian Kirk, Houston Texans Wide Receiver
Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Line Adjustments Under New Staff
While the Texans deal with injury concerns, the Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for the upcoming season with notable defensive line changes. Defensive lineman Arik Armstead is transitioning back to an interior role under new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, where he believes he will be most effective. Armstead emphasized his preference for playing inside, where he can pressure quarterbacks more consistently by targeting guards and centers.
“I think that’s where I’m best,”
Armstead explained.
“I’ve played both in my career and had success at both, but I can have the biggest effect on the quarterback playing and rushing against guards and centers. That’s what I do best.”
—Arik Armstead, Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Lineman
Armstead also noted that a full-time defensive tackle position will provide more chances to influence the outcome of plays across all downs.
“When I’m playing defensive tackle full-time, now I have more opportunities to affect the game on first, second and third down,”
he said.
“I’ll have more opportunities to have a big impact on the game.”
—Arik Armstead, Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Lineman
Optimism Surrounding Jaguars’ Fresh Leadership and 2025 Outlook
Excitement runs high in Jacksonville as the team welcomes new leadership in head coach Liam Coen, general manager James Gladstone, and executive Tony Boselli. Armstead expressed confidence that this new leadership group will energize the franchise for a successful 2025 season, highlighting the advantage of fresh perspectives from first-time leaders.
“I think we’re on the forefront of a promising season,”
Armstead said.
“There’s a lot of newness, which I think is great. There are a lot of first-timers – a first-time head coach, a first-time general manager, a first-time defensive coordinator. With the first-timers, they bring a refreshed energy. You know they want to get it right.”
—Arik Armstead, Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Lineman
Tennessee Titans Announce Offseason Personnel Moves and Player Updates
The Tennessee Titans have promoted several staff members during the offseason to strengthen their scouting and personnel departments. Mike Boni advanced from Senior National Scout to Assistant Director of College Scouting. Jon Salge was promoted from Director of College Scouting to Director of Player Personnel, while Kevin Turks moved from Assistant Director of Pro Personnel to Director of Pro Personnel.
The Titans coaching staff shared encouraging updates on key players as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. Head coach Brian Callahan reported that wide receiver Treylon Burks is currently about 80 percent healthy and not ready for full participation. Offensive coordinator Nick Holz praised offensive tackle JC Latham for his conditioning and growth during offseason practices.
Holz remarked,
“He’s been our best OL throughout the offseason program. His conditioning has been excellent. We challenged him and he looks like a whole different player.”
—Nick Holz, Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson shared confidence in his roster’s development, highlighting defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones as a valuable teammate and disruptive presence.
“It put a smile on my face when we got Dre’mont Jones. He’s a great teammate and is always trying to help/teach. He’s a bully off the edge. He can condense the pocket and win 1v1 matchups. He can do multiple things.”
—Dennard Wilson, Tennessee Titans Defensive Coordinator
Wilson also praised linebacker Cody Barton for his leadership and attitude and explained his approach to nurturing second-round draft pick Oluwafemi Oladejo by testing his limits before focusing on his strengths.
“Cody Barton has been great. Has a great attitude. He knows how to run the ship, and knows how to bring people with him. … The separation for the spot next to him will come with the pads come on.”
—Dennard Wilson, Tennessee Titans Defensive Coordinator
“Throw the kitchen sink at him. See what he can handle and what he does well then scale it back and feature it in games.”
—Dennard Wilson on Oluwafemi Oladejo, Tennessee Titans Defensive Coordinator
Meanwhile, linebacker Otis Reese has been managing an ankle issue that has persisted since last season, according to sources.
Implications of the Texans’ Handling of Stroud’s Injury
The Texans’ cautious messaging around C.J. Stroud’s shoulder injury reveals the delicate balance NFL teams maintain between transparency and protecting players’ competitive positions. While the coaching staff projects confidence that Stroud will be prepared once the season begins, concerns remain due to the quarterback’s limited throwing during preparations. Stroud’s leadership off the field, noted by teammate Christian Kirk, offers reassurance about his readiness to contribute fully once healed.
As training camp progresses and the regular season draws nearer, the Texans will continue to monitor Stroud’s recovery closely. The team’s decision to withhold detailed information about the injury’s severity suggests a strategy focused on managing expectations while safeguarding their franchise quarterback’s long-term health.