Convenience Big Store: Texans return to NRG Stadium with a dud in DeMeco Ryans' home debut

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Today's starting lineup

Sunday brought the official return home for a Texans favorite son. However, former star player DeMeco Ryans' first home game as head coach was a debacle as the Colts blew out the Texans in a game with a flattering final score. Brooks Kubena looks at how the Texans' offense was stymied in multiple ways. Jonathan M. Alexander looks at the no-show for Ryans' defense. Jerome Solomon says to save your Texans jokes since it's a long season. C.J. Stroud opens up about his shoulder injury while rookie receiver Tank Dell enjoyed a big game. We grade the Texans' performance in the Week 2 report card. Please scroll down for much more Texans-Colts coverage.

The Astros avoid disaster in Kansas City, beating the woeful Royals to avert a sweep — and expand their AL West lead. José Abreu reaches a cherished career milestone, Kyle Tucker gets a rare day off and there's a rotation question for the Orioles series that begins tonight.

Despite a scare of sorts from Wyoming, Texas remains No. 1 in our Lone Star State college football rankings.

Stat of the day: 631. Days since the Texans won a regular-season home game. It came Dec. 26, 2021, against the Chargers with David Culley as head coach.

Greg Rajan, Texas Sports Nation editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

NFL Week 2: Colts 31, Texans 20

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is sacked after the touchdown on the previous play was called back due to a penalty during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Jon Shapley, Staff Photographer

Under siege

The Texans' offense, with the line in tatters because of injuries, found itself dominated for much of Sunday's loss to the Colts.

Not tenacious D: After limiting Ravens star Lamar Jackson in their opener, Houston's defense had no answer for Indianapolis reserve QB Gardner Minshew.
Play the long game: It's only the second week of the season and coach DeMeco Ryans' team is showing no signs of quitting despite losses. So hold off on the Texans jokes, writes Jerome Solomon.
Injury update: Texans QB C.J. Stroud discusses the shoulder injury that had his status for Sunday as questionable.
Five to watch: The connection between quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Nico Collins was a bright spot in the Texans' loss.
Tank's a lot: Ex-UH star Tank Dell was a big part of the Texans' offense in Week 2 and showed off his speed on his first career touchdown.
Report card: The home debut of the DeMeco Ryans era was largely one to forget. We grade how the Texans did in the various phases of the game.
Anatomy of a loss: How the Texans' loss to the Colts in their home opener played out Sunday.
Turning point: A Texans red-zone failure followed by a defensive letdown added up to an even bigger halftime hole against the Colts.
Early exit: Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson had an impressive start before leaving the game in the second quarter with an injury.

Astros / MLB

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 17: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros is congratulated by Chas McCormick #20 after scoring during the 3rd inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Photo by: Jamie Squire, Getty Images

Not lacking support

The Astros' bats back a strong start from Framber Valdez to avert a sweep in Kansas City and expand their lead in the AL West.

Prized milestone: An unsuspecting José Abreu reaches 10 years of MLB service time, a feat fewer than 10 percent of major league players achieve.
Rotation in flux? The Astros' rotation for the Orioles series leaves the status of Cristian Javier's next start with uncertainty.
Tucker sits: A "struggling" Kyle Tucker was given a rare day off for the Astros' series finale in Kansas City.
On deck: Astros vs. Orioles: With the regular season down to its last two weeks, the AL West leaders host a three-game series beginning tonight against the AL East front-runners.

College Football

AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 16: Xavier Worthy #1 of the Texas Longhorns scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Wyoming Cowboys at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Photo by: Tim Warner/Getty Images

Still on top

A week after knocking off Alabama, Texas needed a late burst to beat Wyoming and stay undefeated and atop our Lone Star State rankings.

Moving up: A struggle against Wyoming for three quarters didn't hurt Texas when it came to the AP football poll. In fact, the Longhorns even moved up in Sunday's rankings.