Everything Texans’ DeMeco Ryans said ahead of Week 13 battle vs. Colts

Here’s everything Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said ahead of Sunday’s road trip to Indianapolis to take on the Indianapolis Colts, including an update on C.J. Stroud and Jalen Pitre, the challenges of preparing for All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor and more.

OPENING STATEMENT To start out, I’ll let you guys know, Jalen Pitre and C.J. Stroud have both cleared the concussion protocol, so we’re expecting both guys to participate on Sunday.

Q: On what having QB C.J. Stroud back does for the offense

Ryans: “We’ve got to go out and play efficiently with our offense, really. No matter who our quarterback. C.J. will be out there, but we just got to go out and all guys play together, all 11.”

Q: On the excitement of both QB C.J. Stroud and S Jalen Pitre clearing the concussion protocol

Ryans: “It was just a process, so it wasn’t over excitement. It’s just making sure they cleared the process. Overall, as I stated before, just making sure both guys are as healthy as they can possibly be.”

Q: On DE Will Anderson Jr.’s status

“Will is fine.”

Q: On S Jalen Pitre’s versatility

Ryans: “Jalen, he opens our playbook up, the full playbook. We can do a lot of different things with Jalen. Everybody sees he’s been a dynamic playmaker for us. Whether it’s in the run game or the passing game. The kid flies around, he plays with his hair on fire. I love watching him play the game of football because he does it in such a relentless way, and he’s going to be in a position to make a ton of plays. We know offenses have to have awareness for ‘JP’ and where he is at all times, because he’s that type of impact player for us.”

Q: On what having QB C.J. Stroud back brings to the team

Ryans: “We’re happy to have C.J. back. As I mentioned earlier, whoever’s playing for us, whatever the position is, just asking everybody to go out, do their job to the best of their ability. Offense, play as efficiently as possible. Defense, everybody playing together, swarming to the football. We do that with whoever’s on the field. We’ll be in a good spot.”