In a game filled with relentless energy and high stakes, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has shown he’s ready to lead his team with flair and innovation whenever necessary.
“I like to be in the pocket and throw, that’s what I want to do,” Stroud shared. “But at the same time, I feel like I’m an elite player and I can do it. I filmed it… I’m just trying to make a play and have fun.”
Stroud and his Houston teammates (2-0) might need to draw on some of that creativity when they face the Minnesota Vikings (2-0) this Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. The Texans roster is confronting significant injury woes, potentially sidelining key players like running back Joe Mixon (ankle), receiver Nico Collins (hip/foot), running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring), and center Juice Scruggs (groin), who all missed practice on Wednesday. Backup tight end Brevin Jordan (knee) has been placed on injured reserve.
Minnesota has its own injury battles, keeping a keen eye on crucial players. Star receiver Justin Jefferson left last week’s game against the San Francisco 49ers with a quadriceps injury and was limited in practice Wednesday. Starting running back Aaron Jones (hip) and No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) are similarly scrutinized, with Addison missing practice entirely.
Starting outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (foot) and his backup Dallas Turner (knee) were also constrained in practice, while starting linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (quadriceps) and starting center Garrett Bradbury (knee) faced limitations.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Jefferson eased into the week with a walk-through and some limited drills. “We expect him to work a little harder during the week as we go along,” O’Connell remarked. “I know Justin is looking forward to the opportunity to play. So if we can avoid any setbacks or anything like that during the week, hopefully we’ll have him. But it’s a long way from Sunday.”
Meanwhile, O’Connell said Addison is “still in that day-to-day world where we’ll just have to see how he responds… Hopefully she’ll progress throughout the week.”
The Vikings will face a formidable test against Houston, riding on the momentum of back-to-back victories over the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears. The Texans have impressively held their opponents to just 20 points per game so far in 2024. One linchpin of this defensive prowess is the addition of pass rusher Danielle Hunter, who signed with Houston after eight seasons with the Vikings. Hunter has already notched 1 1/2 sacks in just his first two games for the Texans.
Houston coach DeMeco Ryans believes Hunter will bring an added edge facing his former team. “Everyone is excited to play their old team,” Ryans said. “I speak from experience. (It happened) when I was with the Eagles and we got to Houston. That doesn’t change.”
Texas running back Cam Akers will also confront a former franchise, albeit his tenure with the Vikings was brief compared to Hunter. Akers could see increased action this weekend if Mixon is unable to play due to his ankle injury.
“I’m ready,” Akers confidently stated. “You don’t have to get ready when you stay ready. I’ve prepared for this moment and I’m ready for this. I’m ready to take advantage of it.”
For the Vikings, quarterback Sam Darnold aims to maintain his strong start in his inaugural season with Minnesota, sporting a 111.7 passer rating, 476 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions so far.
Stroud has similarly led his team with poise and energy, attaining a 104.7 passer rating, along with 494 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions across the last two weeks.
The Vikings hold a 5-0 historical edge over the Texans, a trend they’ll seek to continue as these two unbeaten teams clash for the first time since 2020.
