March 15, 2026, 10:12 a.m. CT

As C.J. Stroud enters a pivotal crossroads of his career, the Houston Texans are hoping the version of 2023’s rookie of the year is still found inside the mind of the fourth-year quarterback in 2026.

Stroud wasn’t terrible during the regular season en route to a 12-win campaign. He missed three games with a concussion during the middle of the year, but his passer rating and completion percentage improved. His turnover ratio dropped by over 25% while his touchdown total improved by 15%.

But then came the playoffs and everything went up in flames. In two games, Stroud was credited with seven turnovers, including four interceptions in the divisional round loss to the New England Patriots, including a pick-six in the second quarter.

Still, those growing pains are a learning lesson for the young passer entering perhaps the final year of his rookie contract. The trial-and-error should be seen as a moment of weakness for Stroud, which should only help him improve his career down the line.

At least that’s what newcomer David Montgomery sees in the QB1 for this season.

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“Seeing him have his highs and his lows and him still being able to come back as somebody who can be mentally relentless and still go to work every day, seeing it from afar, it’s a thing to see,” Montgomery told reporters via Zoom on Friday. “It’s always good to see how people can handle the bad things, but it’s also super important to see how well people can handle the good things that happen as well. 

“And I think he can handle it all. That’s somebody I want to play with and be able to go to war with. Somebody who is battle-tested, who has been through it all. But who is also able to handle the worst, too.”

Houston hopes a combination of Stroud and Montgomery in the backfield can get the franchise over the hump and into the AFC Championship conversation. He’ll be 29 in June, but unlike most runners who begin to decline, Montgomery’s body has avoided a slew of hits since he split carries with Jahymr Gibbs in Detroit for the last three seasons, so he’s basically in the body of a 27-year-old.

“I’m going into my eighth year now, and yeah, you like to put the veteran thing on it, but I honestly feel like I’m in my prime,” he said. “I take care of my body really well.”

Montgomery, who previously spent time with the Lions and Chicago Bears, might never be the bell cow back who took over games in 2019 and 2023, but he can be a reliable chain mover, especially in the red zone. Houston has struggled to score near the goal line over the past three seasons. Montgomery has scored 13 touchdowns from inside the 10 during that span.

The Texans believe in Montgomery as a lead back. They also believe that was a missing element for offense last season, thus leading to more pressure for Stroud to deliver.

Even at 80%, Montgomery’s impact would have elevated Houston’s offense a season ago. Now here, he’ll alleviate some pressure off the shoulders of Stroud to play hero ball.

 “I’m here now, getting to play under a guy like that, and I want to come in and show these guys I can hang with the big dogs,” Montgomery said.