C.J. Stroud threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to receiver Nico Collins and the Houston Texans prevailed 17-13 over the New Orleans Saints Sunday night in the Caesars Superdome.
Much like his first preseason game at the New England Patriots, Stroud played just two drives. The No. 2 overall pick went 2-4 for 16 yards, and third-year Davis Mills replaced him to start the third drive.
Saints starter Jameis Winston played into the first minute of the second quarter. The former 2015 No. 1 overall pick completed 11 passes on 16 attempts for 93 yards and a touchdown before Jake Haener took over.
The Texans’ Mike Boone led all running backs with seven carries for 51 yards and a touchdown. The former Minnesota Viking and Denver Bronco also caught four passes — tied with rookie receiver Xavier Hutchinson for the team-high — for 26 yards. Hutchinson had two more receiving yards to lead Houston.
New Orleans tight end Lucas Krull caught a game-high seven passes for 106 yards.
Houston’s defense produced two sacks, each from defensive tackle Khalil Davis and cornerback Desmond King. Safety Grayland Arnold procured the Texans’ lone interception of the game. Safety Eric Murray led with six combined tackles on the evening.
While the Texans remain the last team to declare a starting quarterback for Week 1, none would be surprised if the team picked Stroud.
The Texans open Sept. 10 at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
New Orleans hosts the Tennessee Titans Sept. 10 at Caesars Superdome for a 12:00 p.m. Central Time kickoff.
