“Tank, he’s grinding. Great attitude,” Ryans said at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting, via KPRC’s Aaron Wilson. “Don’t know if OTAs he’ll be there, but I know he’ll back for us at some point this year. As I told Tank, it’s not a matter of getting back to OTAs just to get back, it’s just a matter of getting back in a really good spot physically to where you stay there.

“That’s the main thing. It’s not about how quickly he returns. It’s just about Tank returning because we saw what Tank can do, the playmaking that he provides to our entire team. Just getting him back, whenever that time is, it’s going to lift our team.“

Tank Dell’s devastating injury

In December 2024, Tank Dell suffered a catastrophic knee injury during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, involving a dislocated kneecap and multiple torn ligaments, including his ACL, MCL, and LCL. This devastating injury required two major surgeries and sidelined him for the entire 2025 season as he underwent a grueling rehabilitation process.

Aerial options for C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud’s air attack for the 2026 season is anchored by the dominant Nico Collins, who remains one of the league’s most physical and productive deep threats. Joining him is Jayden Higgins, a dynamic playmaker expected to provide immediate versatility and explosive potential to the Texans‘ offense.

General manager Nick Caserio reflected on the 2025 season during an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio, where he reiterated his confidence in Stroud and praised the quarterback for helping keep the Texans competitive throughout the year despite inconsistencies on offense.

“I think the big thing about DeMeco, we believe in our players, and you want to instill confidence in them, understanding there’s going to be some ups and downs that you’re going to have to endure. Every player goes through that. CJ went through that during the course of the season, and that game was a microcosm of some of the things early in the year, but it’s going to happen,” Caserio said.

“So how do you bounce back? How do you handle those things? And hopefully you learn from them. And then you get to the offseason, what are some things that you can correct? So that’s where the focus was going to be. But he’s played a lot of good football for us for three years now, and we were excited for where we were heading into year four.”

Stroud’s performance vs the Patriots

Stroud was unable to overcome the challenges presented by the Patriots’ defense in the AFC Divisional Round. He completed just 20 of 47 pass attempts for 212 yards with one touchdown and multiple interceptions, struggling to find rhythm against constant pressure.

It marked another disappointing offensive showing for the Texans. The team demonstrated Super Bowl potential on the defensive side of the ball throughout the season, but the offense failed to deliver the same level of consistency when it mattered most.

Across 14 NFL regular-season games in 2025, Stroud completed 273 passes for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while adding 209 rushing yards and one score on 48 carries. In the postseason, he finished with 462 passing yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions, numbers that reflected both promise and volatility.

The Texans entered the offseason with several questions to answer. The organization not only looked to address roster needs through the draft and free agency, but also faced important decisions regarding key players and the coaching staff as they aimed to take the next step toward true contention.

CJ Stroud had a chance to silence his doubters, but failed to do so. In the biggest challenge of his career so far, the Texans quarterback threw four interceptions in the first half. Despite the disastrous performance, head coach DeMeco Ryans has made it clear that he still believes in him.

“I talked with CJ today and my message is the same,” Ryans said on Monday. “Right now, it’s just about him flushing this one. It’s going to be a lot of negative talk, a lot of attention on him. He can’t listen to it all. He’s just got to get back to work in the offseason of going back to the basics, the fundamentals of playing the quarterback position, playing it really well, understanding how we need to play the game to win the game. He understands that already.

“I just told him, ‘Don’t listen to anything. Put your phone away. Don’t listen to anything, because there’s going to be a lot of negative talk out there for you.’ Specifically, I just told him to get away, clear his mind. Because right now, at this moment, I know there’s going to be a lot of attention on him, a lot of negative media, and today, a lot of questions about him.

2026 could be CJ Stroud’s final test

Although the Texans managed to reach the 2026 playoffs, their postseason run was far from impressive. While they defeated the Steelers in the Wild Card round, the victory came largely thanks to their defense rather than Stroud’s play.

When the Texans selected Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they expected him to quickly become the franchise quarterback they had been searching for. So far, the former Ohio State standout has fallen short of those expectations.

Stroud showed promise during his rookie season, leading many to believe he would guide Houston to long-term success. However, his production has declined since then, raising concerns about his development and overall progression.

The quarterback is eligible for a contract extension, but the team is expected to exercise his fifth-year option for the 2027 season instead. At this point, the 2026 campaign appears to be a pivotal year—one that could determine whether Stroud earns a long-term deal or if the Texans begin exploring other options.

The Texans’ ongoing search for a franchise QB

Houston remains one of the youngest franchises in the NFL, having debuted in 2002. In more than two decades, the Texans have yet to find a truly consistent franchise quarterback, and that search may continue.

If Stroud is unable to establish himself as the long-term answer, he would join a long list of quarterbacks who failed to lead the Texans to sustained success, including David Carr, Matt Schaub, Deshaun Watson, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

During the game’s broadcast, DeMeco Ryans said “this team has his back,” when asked about Stroud’s performance. Stroud had 10/26 completions, four interceptions (including a pick-6), only one touchdown and a mere 124 yards.

Rumors started to go around that the Texans could bench Stroud in the second half in favor of Davis Mills, but with that statement, Ryans pretty much assured Stroud as the team’s quarterback despite a disastrous first half. Stroud’s performance during the first two quarters was so bad, even Joe Mixon, who is injured, took to socials to post how he felt.

The Texans are so good, they’re still competed

Stroud sent four interceptions, however, the Texans defense is so good the Patriots weren’t able to get a definitive distance in the first half. Stroud’s interceptions were mostly controlled by the Texans defense also provoking fumbles. The unit is too elite.

Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter are arguably the best pass-rusher duo in the NFL. Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. are arguably the best cornerback duo in the league. They also have a Pro Bowl linebacker like Azeez Al-Shaair. With that defense, they can remain in games even when the offense doesn’t click.

Stroud is entering a key moment in his career

Next year will be Stroud’s fourth in the NFL. Hence, the former second overall pick will be trying to prove to the Texans that he is the franchise quarterback. That’s arguably what makes or breaks a QB’s career. If he doesn’t get that contract, it’s likely that he won’t be seen as a franchise QB anymore.

“Take advantage of the turnovers,” Maye told the broadcast of the game before heading into the locker room when asked about his message for the players, letting his Patriots know that they must capitalize on the mistakes by Stroud and the Texans to finish the job in Foxborough.

Stroud got off to a nightmare start at Gillette Stadium, getting intercepted four times as his Texans went to the break trailing 10-21. And the difference could’ve been worse if it wasn’t for the outstanding Houston defense.

NFL world reacts to C.J. Stroud’s first half vs. Patriots

The reactions didn’t take long to emerge, with running back Joe Mixon dropping a six-word message on X as Stroud threw multiple interceptions in the blink of an eye. And of course, fans on social media didn’t waste a second to react either.

Stroud’s four interceptions in the first half led to hilarious memes, as the NFL community couldn’t believe how many possessions the Texans quarterback gave up. In fact, it led many to wonder who’s Stroud’s backup on the depth chart and whether the team should make a change at quarterback for the second half.

Jason Page weighed in on Stroud’s situation on X (@thebackpage): “I hate to make this kind of proclamation in the middle of a game, when there’s still plenty of time left. But you simply cannot win in the playoffs with someone like CJ Stroud making the kinds of decisions and throws he’s making.”

Not all of the backlash was directed solely at Stroud, who was throwing some glaringly poor passes against a Patriots defense that looked razor-sharp at home. Bobby Burack of OutKick used the Texans quarterback’s rough night to take aim at ESPN for what he viewed as embarrassing commentary.

“Ryan Clark is on TV right now saying CJ Stroud deserves a pass. To recap, Clark said Josh Allen has ‘no excuses,’ Lamar Jackson isn’t to blame because football is a team sport, and Stroud isn’t at fault because of injuries. Stroud and Clark share an agent, David Mulugheta. Shame on ESPN for allowing this guy to be part of playoff game coverage,” Burack wrote on X (@burackbobby_).

No mercy for Stroud after a brutal first half

Some of the backlash directed at Stroud even included calls for the Texans’ head coach to pull the quarterback and give Davis Mills a chance, pointing out that Mills had already helped steady the team when Stroud was injured earlier in the season.

“Now it’s on DeMeco Ryans. You have to go to Davis Mills at this point. You can’t allow your team to lose because you’re unwilling to pull the plug (for this game) on your franchise QB. It has to be Davis Mills in the second half. Otherwise, it’s not just a CJ Stroud problem,” Jason Page wrote on X.

“Mannnnn I wish I was playing…” Mixon posted just after CJ Stroud’s third interception of the four he threw in the first half against the Patriots. Mixon missed all season due to a foot injury suffered before the season started.

Mixon signed for the Texans last season and he earned Pro Bowl honors. He racked up 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns. Given that the Texans ranked 22nd in rushing yards per game, it’s safe to say that Mixon was sorely missed by Houston.

Mixon would likely still not be enough

CJ Stroud’s regression is literally a disaster. After a historically good rookie year, the hype was big and Stroud showed potential to be one of the best QBs in the NFL. Fast forward two years, and Stroud is the weak link of an otherwise excellent team in pretty much all facets of the game.

Even if Mixon was playing, Stroud’s mistakes are tough to get around. The Texans literally have the best defense in the NFL, they have good-to-very-good wideouts and with Mixon, a top-tier back too. However, none of that matters if your quarterback gifts the game away.

Stroud also had an erratic Wild Card Round game

The Texans blew the Steelers out in the Wild Card Round, but it wasn’t thanks to Stroud, it was despite him. Stroud had three turnovers, including a red zone pick against Pittsburgh. He was, once again, the player who failed to deliver for Houston.

In fact, two of the touchdowns in that game were scored by the defense. Hence, it’s a very bad streak Stroud is in. Not to mention, Stroud is on the verge of making the team decide if it will pay him a second contract or not. Right now, paying him could be seen as a mistake.

DeMeco Ryans has produced an impressive turnaround for the Texans as a franchise. C.J. Stroud has reached the Divisional Round of the playoffs in each of his first three seasons in the league, but he is precisely the team’s biggest question mark after his shaky performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He cannot afford to fail while being supported by the best defense in the NFL.

On the other side, Mike Vrabel has transformed the Patriots after a disappointing season with Jerod Mayo as head coach. Robert Kraft found the ideal man to develop Drake Maye’s talent, and after Tom Brady’s retirement, it seems they have finally found his successor. Incredibly, they are Super Bowl contenders again.

NFL Playoffs 2026: What happens if the Texans lose against the Patriots in the Divisional round?

If the Texans lose to the New England Patriots in the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs, Houston will be officially eliminated. Then, the Patriots would advance to the AFC Championship game and their next rival would be the Denver Broncos without Bo Nix.

What happens if Texans beat Patriots in Divisional round of 2026 NFL playoffs?

If the Texans beat the Patriots in the Divisional Round, New England will be eliminated. Houston would advance to the AFC Championship Game and play on the road against the Broncos. Regardless of who wins today, Denver will host that matchup as the No.1 seed.

NFL Playoffs 2026: What happens if Texans and Patriots end in a tie?

If the Texans and Patriots are tied, the game will be decided in overtime. Both teams are guaranteed a chance to possess the ball, even if the team that receives it first scores a touchdown.

The game can still end on the opening possession if the defense scores on a pick-six or records a safety. If the team that gets the ball first fails to score on its opening possession, or if the game remains tied after both teams have had a possession, the next score of any kind will decide the winner.

The 30–6 final score was only solidified late in the game, as things remained fairly even until the fourth quarter. Multiple fumbles by the quarterback led Stroud himself, in remarks to the media, to acknowledge that such mistakes cannot happen against the Patriots.

“We had some problems with the snap, me catching them,” the QB said in his postgame press conference. “Got to find a way to catch ‘em and take care of the ball. We knew off the tape that they did a good job of punching at the ball or get you while you’re throwing.

“It’s all about moving forward and trying your best to flush it and keep going. I thought every time we had to bounce back, we made more plays, so I’m proud of our guys for having a little bit of resilience in those moments. To finish the game like that was really dope.”

A tough stop in Foxborough for the Texans

After their dominant Wild Card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday, the Houston Texans have officially earned their first road playoff win in franchise history and a ticket to the Divisional Round.

Led by their top-ranked defense, which stifled Aaron Rodgers and scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns, Houston now shifts its focus to a high-stakes showdown against the New England Patriots.

The matchup, set for this Sunday, January 18, at Gillette Stadium, will feature a battle between DeMeco Ryans’ elite defensive unit and the Patriots’ breakout star, Drake Maye, with a spot in the AFC Championship Game on the line.

CJ Stroud led a remarkable comeback for the Texans, who struggled to find their footing early in the season but, with the support of a strong defense, racked up a long winning streak that carried them into the playoffs.

On the other side, their complementary counterpart: the Colts were a pleasant surprise through the first half of the season. However, a severe injury to Daniel Jones, which veteran Philip Rivers couldn’t fully compensate for, left Shane Steichen’s squad out of any playoff contention.

What happens if Texans lose vs Colts?

If the Texans lose to the Colts today, they will forfeit any chance of winning the AFC South title and will enter the postseason as a Wild Card team. Depending on the results of the Bills and Chargers games, a loss could cause Houston to drop from their current No. 5 spot down to the No. 6 or No. 7 seed, resulting in a more difficult road matchup against a top-tier opponent like the Patriots, Broncos, or Jaguars.

What happens if Texans defeat the Colts?

If the Texans defeat the Colts, they will finish the regular season with a 12-5 record and guarantee themselves at least the No. 5 seed in the AFC. Their ultimate seeding, however, depends on the Jacksonville Jaguars; if the Jaguars lose to the Titans, a Houston victory would crown the Texans as AFC South Champions and elevate them to the No. 3 seed, securing a home playoff game.

If the Jaguars manage to win their game, the Texans will remain in the No. 5 seed as a Wild Card team. In this scenario, they would travel to face the winner of the AFC North (either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Baltimore Ravens) during the opening round of the playoffs.

C.J. Stroud has guided his team into Week 17 with a 10–5 record, currently sitting in second place in the AFC South behind the Jaguars. Texans’ most recent outing was a narrow home victory over the Raiders.

The Chargers, meanwhile, have already secured their spot in the Wild Card Round, thanks to their current 11–4 record. Ahead of this matchup, Justin Herbert made a strong confession regarding the most recent postseason meeting between the two franchises: “It was one of those things that you continue to think about.”

What happens if Texans lose today against Chargers?

If the Texans lose today against the Chargers, their record would drop to 10–6, and their chances of earning a playoff berth would fall to 93%. Currently, according to the NFL’s official website, their playoff probability stands at 97%, and a win would boost that figure to 99%.

Final tests ahead for Houston

The Houston Texans are entering a critical stretch as they look to solidify their playoff standing. They face the Los Angeles Chargers on the road today, December 27th, at SoFi Stadium, followed by a regular-season finale at home against the Indianapolis Colts on January 4th. These final two games will be decisive in determining their seeding and momentum heading into the postseason.

AFC playoff teams

The battle for the AFC’s top seed has reached its peak, with the Denver Broncos (13-3) currently holding the edge over the New England Patriots (12-3) for the coveted first-round bye.

Alongside them, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills have already secured their postseason berths, leaving the final seeding to be decided in these last crucial matchups of the regular season.