Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has named C.J. Stroud as the starting quarterback for the team's opening weekend clash with the Baltimore Ravens.
Stroud was the number two overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, but his preseason did not get off to the best of starts.
The Texans' preseason opener saw the 21-year-old be on the wrong end of a barrage from the New England Patriots defence, but as the weeks have gone by, Stroud showed signs of improvement.
In the final Texans preseason game, a 17-13 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night, Stroud connected with wide receiver Nico Collins for the first touchdown of his NFL career.
Speaking after the Saints victory, Ryans highlighted a key improvement in Stroud's exploits on the field.
"I thought [Stroud] did a really good job tonight, and continued to progress," Ryans said postgame.
"Had a good week last week against Miami, and to come back out this week, the ball placement was very nice."
Stroud also made it clear that this would be an opportunity which would not be squandered.
"You gotta keep working. It was definitely a blessing, something that I think I've worked for and definitely earned, but at the same time nothing else really changes. I'm still going to work like the way I've been working, even more now," Stroud said in the postgame press conference.
"I'm blessed to be a starter so young in this league, which isn't the easiest thing to do, but I know my coaches have faith and trust in me, and I'll go out there and try to do my best."
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