Convenience Big Store: Some key takeaways with Texans' minicamp done

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5 things we learned before Texans break for the summer

After finishing up their two minicamp practices last week, the Texans broke for the summer — or the next 5 ½ weeks — until training camp officially begins in late July.

In their eight practices during offseason workouts, much was revealed, both good and bad.

Here are a few takeaways:

C.J. Stroud is fine: There was a lot of speculation over whether Stroud had offseason surgery and how effective he'd be after resting his arm. The answer is he didn't have surgery, and he was more than effective. The controversy was much ado about nothing. But a sore shoulder for a quarterback is much like a sore shoulder for a pitcher. The Texans will have to manage it and make sure he doesn't overthrow.
Offensive line has developed a new attitude: I talked to Tytus Howard last week, and he told me this offensive line, now coached by Cole Popovich, will be "nasty" this year. Part of what bothered many Texans fans about the line last season was they weren't mean enough, and DeMeco Ryans wanted to change that.
Will Anderson Jr. was dominant: Anderson is heading toward an All-Pro type of season. He said his goal is to win Defensive Player of the Year, and he dominated throughout the offseason. No one could contain him. If he remains healthy, I'd expect another double digit sack season and perhaps some love from voters for defensive player of the year.
Jayden Higgins on an upward trajectory: Remember last year when then-rookie Kamari Lassiter was making plays in organized team activities? Well, this year's version of that was Higgins. He kept catching deep passing in team drills, and he's trending toward WR2 status.
Injuries aplenty: The Texans may begin training camp down a few players. Several key players missed OTAs, including linebackers Christian Harris and Henry To'oTo'o, wide receivers Braxton Berrios and Jaylin Noel, running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, defensive end Denico Autry, and safety Jimmie Ward, who was arrested last week.

Have a great Monday and make it your best week.

Keep scrolling to read the rest of the newsletter.

Jonathan M. Alexander, Texans beat reporter

jonathan.alexander@houstonchronicle.com

Texans Trivia!

This week's question: What is C.J. Stroud's full name?

The first person to email me the correct answer gets a shoutout in the next newsletter.

Image of two arrows, one pointing up, the other pointing down. Text reads: 'Who's up, who's down.'

Photo by: Susan Barber

Trending up

WR Jayden Higgins: Higgins made play after play in OTAs and minicamp. As of now, he's WR2 and it's his spot to lose.

C Jake Andrews: Surprisingly, the waiver-wire pickup ran with the first-team offense for all of minicamp, while incumbent Jarrett Patterson was with the second team. That means something.

TE Cade Stover: Stover, entering his second season, had a great offseason. He's become C.J. Stroud's safety blanket in practice. He should be a big factor this season.

Trending down

RB Dameon Pierce: The Texans traded up to draft Woody Marks, who can catch it out of the backfield, as well as signed Nick Chubb to a one-year deal. Pierce needs to get back healthy before he's an afterthought.

S Jimmie Ward: If the NFL finds Ward violated its personal conduct policy after being arrested for a domestic violence incident, he could be suspended for several games.

TBD

RT Blake Fisher: He was getting cooked by Will Anderson Jr. I don't quite know what to make of that because Anderson is really good.

Read the the full Texans offseason stock report here.

Photo of the Day

Former Texans J.J. Watt hangs out during the team's minicamp at Methodist Training Center in Houston on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

Look who showed up to practice last week. Yes, y'all's GOAT: J.J. Watt.

But he told us he has no desire to return to the field anymore, and is looking forward to his next job in being a game analyst for CBS broadcasts. He's not sure yet which games he'll call.