C.J. Stroud was pressured on 45.5% of his dropbacks when Cincinnati used man coverage in Houston's 20-6 home defeat, leaving the Texans 0-2 before Sunday's AFC South opener against Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. Houston also managed 18 rushing yards on 12 attempts.
Coach DeMeco Ryans discussed possible changes Wednesday at the Houston Methodist Training Center. Right tackle Trent Brown received much of the scrutiny, and Blake Fisher, Notre Dame's 2024 second-round selection, is a candidate for the starting role after displaying mobility and strength in training camp. Wyatt Teller could also move into a full-time starting guard spot beside rookie center Keylan Rutledge.
Houston has not announced whether Fisher or Teller will start.
Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen said wide receiver Alec Pierce is going to injured reserve because of a heel injury. The Colts signed veteran receiver Darius Slayton and placed Eli Pancol on their practice squad. Josh Downs, Keenan Allen and rookie tight end Tyler Warren are among the remaining receiving choices, with Taylor serving as an underneath option.
Houston is awaiting the official designation for Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins, who is dealing with a hamstring issue. The Texans previously won the AFC South after 0-2 starts in 2018 and 2023. With no division games for any AFC South team in Week 3, Sunday's winner will be 1-0 in division tiebreaker record, while the loser will be 0-3.
