Team news: Houston Texans

As C.J. Stroud evolves in his NFL journey, one of his main focuses this offseason has been body transformation.

The Houston Texans' quarterback understood his training would have "risk and reward," but heading into Year 3, he felt he needed a change.

"I've been working really hard on getting my body right -- losing body fat, trying to be faster, stronger," Stroud said. "And it went really well. ... [Working] pocket mobility, running out the pocket, throwing the rock. Everything kind of works hand in hand."

The story said the extra work left him with general soreness in his throwing shoulder that caused him to miss practices this spring, but he felt it was necessary after he saw dips in passing yards (3,727) and touchdowns (20) in Year 2 after being named the Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler in a season where he had 4,108 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. As the story added, he also threw 12 interceptions last season, seven more than his rookie year.

Sources: Browns free agent RB Nick Chubb, one of the most decorated players available, is expected to sign with the Texans on Monday if all goes well with his physical, sources say.

Chubb’s 2024 ended prematurely with an injury, but now he could return for more in Houston.

Related Players: Joe Mixon, Woody Marks, Dare Ogunbowale, Dameon Pierce

If everything goes through without a hitch, both Ogunbowale and Pierce could be in a battle for an eventual roster spot. As Rapoport said, Chubb's season was cut short, but it wasn't a particularly prolific one when he was on the field. Chubb had the exact same YPA as D'Onta Foreman (3.3) and was easily outpaced by Ford in YPA (5.4) and yards after contact per attempt (3.5-to-2.7).

With the addition of Woody Marks in the fourth round, we'd take a wait-and-see approach before we skyrocket Chubb all the way up the rankings.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud continues to not throw at OTAs due to shoulder soreness. “There's no concerns with C.J.,” said Texans HC DeMeco Ryans. “It's just general soreness. We're taking extra precaution with him, but he’ll be good to go. No concerns on my end there.”

Related Players: Davis Mills, Graham Mertz

It's still early in the year for this to impact Stroud's fantasy outlook one way or the other. In very, very deep SuperFlex Dynasty leagues, we could proactively scoop Mills off the waiver wire if he's available.

Jaguars plan to release veteran WR Christian Kirk, per source.

Related Players: Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis, Parker Washington

Kirk will look for new employment on an increasingly fertile WR free agent landscape after a disappointing 27-catch 2024 performance in which he logged only eight games. Brian Thomas Jr. is already appropriately earmarked for a WR1 season, but this certainly doesn't hurt things.

DeMeco Ryans says WR Tank Dell tore his ACL along with dislocating his knee.

No surprises here as it was a terrible injury to watch during the game. While he's obviously out for the season, the bigger question is what will his status be for 2025. It's a huge question mark at this point given the seriousness of the injury. Even if Dell is able to play next season, he may take a while to get back to 100%.

Texans WR Tank Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap during Saturday’s game against the Chiefs.

The injury occurred as Dell landed after catching his touchdown pass in the third quarter. Dell was carted off and eventually went to the hospital, where he will stay overnight. The extent of the injury or any other injury is still to be determined. Texans players were overcome with emotion following the injury to their teammate. Dell’s status for training camp and the start of the 2025 season is up in the air.

Texans WR Tank Dell was carted off the field Saturday after a bad knee injury.

Dell had just scored a touchdown but the way he landed caused the injury. NBC isn’t even showing certain angles because of how bad the injury looks to be. Dell’s leg was immobilized. Dell’s rookie season was ended prematurely due to a broken leg. Very unfortunate news for the young wide receiver.

Sources: The Chiefs are activating WR Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and he will officially make his season-debut on Saturday vs the Texans.

Related Players: DeAndre Hopkins, Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson

It feels exceedingly likely that Hollywood Brown will be limited in his first in-game action of the season, but even light usage could lower the floor of his teammates. Hopkins and Worthy project as a fringe WR3/4 while Brown should stay on benches for now, but could end up being viable in Week 17.

The Chiefs plan to activate Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown (reserve/injured, shoulder) for Saturday’s game vs. Houston assuming everything continues trending positively this week, per sources.

Brown looks to make his Chiefs debut after missing four months.

Related Players: DeAndre Hopkins, Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson

It feels exceedingly likely that Brown will be limited in his first in-game action of the season, but even light usage could lower the floor of his teammates. Hopkins projects as a fringe WR3/4 while Brown should stay on benches for now, but could end up being viable in Week 17.

'Joe came out fine, Joe will be fine,' Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on Joe Mixon.

Good news for owners. As the post said, Mixon got his ankle checked in Week 15 action, but was able to finish the game. It will be worth monitoring his practice week, but he seems like he should be good for Week 16, which is a Saturday game against the Chiefs.