Updated

Updated · NFL.com · Jul 8

AFC South Camps Open From July 21 as Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans Face QB Tests

Updated

Updated · NFL.com · Jul 8

AFC South Camps Open From July 21 as Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans Face QB Tests

Q: Will a rebuilt offensive line be enough to salvage C.J. Stroud's career after his rookie season fizzled?

Probably not by itself, but it is the clearest path to getting C.J. Stroud back on track. Houston’s offensive line was a major reason Stroud’s production fell after his standout 2023 rookie season, so the overhaul matters. Adding Keylan Rutledge, Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith should improve pass protection and stabilize the pocket, while also helping a run game that now includes David Montgomery. Outside analysis has been bullish on the revamped front, especially for making the offense more balanced and reducing the burden on Stroud. But calling this a question of “salvaging” his career is too strong. Stroud is still early in his career, and the Texans’ issue is more about restoring his trajectory than rescuing a lost player. Better blocking can help his timing, confidence and decision-making, yet it will not solve everything if he continues to hold the ball too long, force throws or struggle under pressure. The supporting cast also matters. Tank Dell’s return from a severe knee injury could restore explosiveness, and Montgomery’s presence could keep Houston out of obvious passing situations. Just as important, Houston’s strong defense should create more manageable game scripts. So the line rebuild is necessary, and it may be the single biggest factor in a rebound. It is not sufficient on its own. Stroud still has to show he can process quickly, trust the protection and play with the consistency that made him look like a franchise quarterback in 2023.

3 articles · Updated · NFL.com · Jul 8

July 21-28 report dates frame an AFC South camp slate dominated by quarterback questions, with Houston trying to revive C.J. Stroud, Indianapolis monitoring Daniel Jones' Achilles recovery and Tennessee hinging its season on Cam Ward's Year 2 jump.
Houston's biggest variable is another offensive-line rebuild after last year's collapse, with veterans Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith joining first-rounder Keylan Rutledge to protect Stroud and support newcomer David Montgomery.
Indianapolis also enters camp with health concerns beyond Jones, including DeForest Buckner's recovery from neck surgery, while Jonathan Taylor's contract status adds another potential distraction.
Jacksonville's focus centers on opportunity and role definition: Bhayshul Tuten could inherit much of Travis Etienne's vacated workload, and Travis Hunter's split between cornerback and receiver will signal the Jaguars' plans.
Tennessee pairs Ward's development with a reshaped supporting cast, adding 1,014-yard receiver Wan'Dale Robinson and overhauling a defense that Robert Saleh must turn from improved on paper into results on the field.