Convenience Big Store: ⚾ Injured Astros star now throwing off mound

Leadoff

Astros' Lance McCullers Jr. works off the mound in practice ahead of the 2025 MLB season.

Injured Astros star throwing off mound ahead of 2025 comeback

Is the wait almost over?

AUSTIN, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 23: Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Texas Longhorns most valuable football program in state: report

Some schools in the Lone Star State would retail for billions, per a new study.

Cheap Seats

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 11: Tight end Dalton Schultz #86 of the Houston Texans stands on the field prior to an AFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Chargers at NRG Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

Defensive Focus

In the Cheap Seats, Chron sports writers answer burning questions from readers.

What's the biggest priority for the Texans this offseason?

Chron sports reporter Michael Shapiro:

Houston's defense is a looming juggernaut with rising star cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter flanking elite edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. The future of C.J. Stroud's supporting cast is less certain.

The Texans' receiving corps was decimated by the season-ending injuries to Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. They received middling production from tight end Dalton Schultz. Houston's offensive line is still the greatest concern, especially in the interior. Stroud was sacked eight times in this month's divisional round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He was pressured on 56 (!) percent of dropbacks, often flushed from the pocket within seconds of his dropback.

Winning multiple games in January requires quality pass protection. Houston failed in that regard this winter, leaving general manager Nick Caserio to seek upgrades both in free agency in March and the NFL draft in April.