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 a few injured players, including star running back Joe Mixon (ankle), who is listed as doubtful after not practicing all week. Backup running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) was ruled out, meaning Cam Akers would likely start if Mixon can’t go.
“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.”
Star wide receiver Nico Collins (hip/foot) was cleared after being limited earlier in the week, but starting center Juice Scruggs (groin) is among three players listed as questionable. Backup tight end Brevin Jordan (knee) was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.
Minnesota star wideout Justin Jefferson, who left last week’s game against the San Francisco 49ers because of a quadriceps injury, was cleared after fully practicing on Friday. No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison is dealing with an ankle injury that forced him to miss the 49ers game and won’t play on Sunday.
Vikings starting linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (quad) and backup outside linebacker Dallas Turner (knee) were ruled out on Friday.
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.”
“If it wasn’t going to be here, I wanted him to find a great place to go play and continue what he did in 2023. I think he found a great home literally in his hometown,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. “It’s the same guy that’s an absolute game-wrecker. Danielle has to be a major focal point in our game plan.”
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.
