Third-year Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud threw passes for the first time in almost a month during the opening of Tuesday's minicamp practice. He connected on several completions to Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins and rookie Jayden Higgins that caught the eye of reporters in practice.

The Houston Texans' offense is looking to respond with secondary options in the passing game heading into the 2025 NFL season. While C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins are considered among the best duos in the league, there are questions at the other receiver spots, plus the tight end role after a down year from Dalton Schultz.

Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Texans and All-Pro running back Nick Chubb have mutual interest in one another. Chubb is coming off a slow year with the Cleveland Browns after he suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 2 of the 2023 season. Chubb has spent the entirety of his eight-year career with the Browns and is currently a free agent.

Stroud took a beating in 2024, as the Texans quarterback was sacked 52 times, the second most in the NFL after Chicago rookie Caleb Williams. He also recorded 593 throws in the regular season and postseason, which ranks fourth in the NFL.

Nico Collins is regarded as a consensus top 10 receiver and the go-to target for the Houston Texans' passing game. C.J. Stroud might have had his slumps at times in 2024, but he's still a rising standout entering Year 3.

C.J. Stroud has had two strong seasons to start his NFL career with the Houston Texans. Heading into year three, a change could be on the way. Stroud is expected to do more of his own work at the line of scrimmage this fall,