Last week, the Texans conducted a joint practice with Carolina, allowing Stroud to go up against live competition for the first time in training camp. He impressed at times, throwing a pair of touchdown passes to Collins and fellow veteran receiver Christian Kirk. He also threw a red zone interception to Mike Jackson.

C.J. Stroud will always be attached to Bryce Young. The Houston Texans quarterback went second in the 2023 NFL Draft after Young landed with the Carolina Panthers at No. 1 overall. Both gunslingers grew up in California, with Young playing for the Inland Empire Ducks while Stroud suited up for Pomona Valley Steelers.