The Houston Texans will start rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud in their first preseason game against the New England Patriots on Thursday.

According to NFL Network, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said that the No. 2 pick would start over quarterback Davis Mills, who were in a quarterback competition throughout most of training camp. Recently, however, Ryans gave Stroud all the first-team reps for three straight practices.

Ryans has high praise for how Stroud has transitioned to the team: “With C.J., what I’ve seen is he’s definitely made adjustments. He’s getting the ball out quick, he’s making the proper reads.” Ryans added: “Right now, as I see it, guys going out, hopefully getting a couple of series depending on how it goes. [Stroud] will go out there as well. Most of our guys will get work.”

Star offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil said of Stroud that he “handles himself well” and has great leadership skills: “How I describe C.J.: dawg. He’s a straight dawg. He comes in there ready to work, he handles the huddle perfectly and he goes out there and balls, man. You’ve got to appreciate that, especially in a young quarterback like C.J.”

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