NFL insider raises red flag over C.J. Stroud’s shoulder injury amid Kirk Cousins to Texans rumors

There are concerns in Houston over the health of C.J. Stroud as offseason workouts in the NFL continue. The Texans starting quarterback sustained an injury on his throwing shoulder.

Speaking on "The Rich Eisen Show" on Friday, NFL insider Tom Pelissero weighed in on the matter.

“There’s always a level of concern when you’re talking about a quarterback’s throwing shoulder because shoulders can be unpredictable," Pelissero said (0:17).

"They can change the way that you throw mechanically because a lot of time they require rest. It’s not as simple as a knee scope, and you’re back in two weeks. A lot of times there’s something more to it.”

The injury, combined with questions surrounding the Texans’ offensive line after Stroud was sacked 52 times in 2024, has rumors circling that the reigning AFC South champions could be on the hunt for a quarterback to fill that void temporarily.

On Friday, CBS Sports had Houston as a potential landing spot for Kirk Cousins. He is a former Pro Bowler who has been relegated to backup despite having a big contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Cousins previously worked with Texans quarterbacks coach Jerod Johnson during his days with the Minnesota Vikings.

According to Pelissero, the good news for Houston is that Stroud’s injury might not keep him out for too long.

“I have not heard anything to make me believe that this is going to be something long-term,” Pelissero said (01:47).

However, Stroud's injury is bad enough that he’s not training on the field with his teammates.

“Let’s see as we get into training camp here what the reps look like,” Pelissero said (2:10).

Other than Stroud, only one other quarterback on the Texans' depth chart has started an NFL game: Davis Mills in 2022.

C.J. Stroud’s injury theory

While it’s unclear how C.J. Stroud sustained his shoulder issue, a quarterback-turned-analyst has a theory on what it exactly is.

On Friday, Chris Simms said he believes it's a case of tendonitis.

“This has all the signs to me of tendonitis, general soreness," Simms said, via 'PFT Live." "This, to me, has all the signs of, ‘I got back, we got back training. I started throwing. Maybe I threw a little too much at first, and now the inside of my elbow hurts.'”

Despite taking plenty of hits and facing considerable pressure last season, Stroud still played every game under center. He led Houston to the postseason for the second consecutive year.