Houston Texans training camp began in the sweltering heat of Texas weather erly on Wednesday morning with some souring news surrounding a key offensive player. C.J. Stroud was back in full force while the defense took center stage under third-year coach DeMeco Ryans.
Texans Wire has got your one-stop shop to keep up with all of the updates and highlights from the Methodist Training Center just outside of NRG Stadium, including every pass thrown from Stroud, run by Pro Bowler Nick Chubb and interception caused by Derek Stingley.
Fresh off a 10-7 season, the Texans are looking to secure their first AFC conference title after a busy offseason, which saw a change at left tackle and at the wide receiver spot. Is this the year where Houston goes from good to great in the AFC behind Buffalo, Kansas City and Baltimore?
Here is everything we saw and took away from the first day of practice:
No timeline for RB Joe Mixon’s return
DeMeco Ryans was asked if the Texans had a timetable for the return of their Pro Bowl running back. Although it’s not expected to melt over into the regular season, Ryans did not have an answer at this time.
Texans offer condolences to LB Bryan Braman
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans offered his condolences to the family of former teammate Bryan Braman, who passed away last week after a battle with a rare form of cancer. He was 38. Ryans and Braman were teammates in Houston in 2011 and later in Philadelphia from 2014-15.
Will Anderson ready for breakout Year 3
Anderson, fresh off a Pro Bowl and double-digit sack season, is ready to see what’s in store for the Texans’ defense heading into Year 3 with the back-to-back AFC South champions.
A rookie vs. All-Pro for return reps
Entering camp, the Texans need a new returner with Tank Dell sidelined. Braxton Berrios, who was an All-Pro as a member of the Miami Dolphins, and Jaylin Noel, the team’s third-round pick out of Iowa State, seem to be the favorites to replace the wideout on punt return. Both worked drills alongside running back Jahwar Jordan.
Davis Mills making plays as QB No. 2
TE OC = TE Expanded Role
Jimmie Ward update
Ward, who was arrested last month after a confrontation at his home, has reported to camp but will be participate to begin the start of practice. He has a court date scheduled for next month.
Tank Dell update
Nick Caserio told reporters that Dell, who suffered a knee injury that required multiple surgeries, said the team was “noncommittal” about his return for the upcoming season.
Nick Caley stepping up in his element
The Texans’ new offensive coordinator is feeling right at home heading into Day 1 of training camp.
C.J. Stroud back in action
After being limited in drills during OTAs, Stroud was back in the saddle and tossing dimes on Wednesday afternoon, connecting with Nico Collins, Brevin Jordan and Dalton Schultz for touchdown receptions in team reps. This is a big year for Stroud since he’ll be eligible for a new contract after the season concludes. With a promising start, the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year could be the highest-paid quarterback entering 2026.
Texans starting offensive line set?
Perhaps the biggest question of training is built around the starting offensive line following Laremy Tunsil’s trade this offseason. Tay Ersery is expected to compete for starting reps on either side of the tackle spot, but it seems like Houston is banking on him learning right tackle first.
Ersery, the Texans’ second-round pick out of Minnesota, saw first-team reps at right tackle during drills like second-year starter Blake Fisher took snaps with the second-team unit. Veteran Cam Robinson replaced Tunsil at left tackle while a starting combination of Tytus Howard, Jake Andrews and Laken Tomlinson started at right guard, center and left guard, respectively.
Nick Chubb takes center stage as RB1
With Joe Mixon sidelined on the NFI list, Nick Chubb saw a majority of the first-team reps at running back. A former All-Pro with the Cleveland Browns, Chubb looked to reignite that spark with the Texans this upcoming season as a secondary option behind a healthy Mixon.
Texans take the field for the first time in 2025
Injury report
Thirteen total players will miss the start of camp, including 11 players on the PUP list. These names include defensive lineman Denico Autry (knee), defensive end Derek Barnett, offensive tackle Trent Brown, wide receiver Tank Dell (knee surgeries), defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (shoulder), running back Dameon Pierce and defensive back Jimmie Ward (foot surgery), among others.
Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon will begin camp on the non-football injury list, according to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson. He’s expected to return before the start of the regular season, but there’s no timetable on when he could start practicing with C.J. Stroud and newly acquired Pro Bowl rusher Nick Chubb.
Nick Caserio takes the stage
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Houston Texans training camp, Day 1: Highlights, practice notes, and news
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
