HOUSTON -- Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans named rookie C.J. Stroud as the starting quarterback for Week 1 of the regular season after Sunday's preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints.
Stroud, who beat out incumbent starter Davis Mills, ran exclusively with the starting offense during preseason and went 11-of-18 for 89 yards with one touchdown and an interception in eight series over three games. Stroud was able to show improvement from week to week, helping him earn the starter role -- with the Baltimore Ravens up first Sept.