C.J. Stroud will play tonight vs. Raiders

Published August 20, 2026 07:38 PM DeMeco Ryans has changed his mind yet again. The Texans head coach said earlier this week his starters would play in Thursday’s preseason game against the Raiders.Then, on Wednesday, he decided the starters had gotten enough work during the joint practice Tuesday and wouldn’t play in the game.Now comes word from ESPN that quarterback C.J. Stroud will play.The team’s defensive starters still won’t play. They don’t need the work. Stroud does.It will be the first time Stroud has played since his meltdown against the Patriots in the divisional round when he threw four interceptions. He had seven turnovers in two playoff games. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Texans have talked to Stroud’s representation about a contract extension, but the sides are not close. The Texans have exercised the fifth-year option on Stroud’s contract for 2027.