C.J. Stroud has opened the 2026 regular season on a 1,141-yard pace through four games for the 0-4 Houston Texans, averaging 285.3 yards per contest with five touchdowns and zero interceptions on 151 attempts. The fourth-year quarterback has benefited from the return of top wideout Nico Collins from a hamstring injury in Week 4, when he threw for 347 yards and two scores against Dallas. Earlier volume was limited by Collins’ absence and a struggling run game that has forced more passing situations, though the offensive line has allowed 12 sacks. Contract extension talks were tabled until after the season, leaving Stroud in a prove-it year on his rookie deal with the fifth-year option already exercised. The Texans face a favorable Week 5 road matchup against the winless Titans before a stretch that includes several games against weaker secondaries.