Texans add another toy for Stroud. Photo via: Wiki Commons.
At this point in the offseason, all the Texans receivers from 2023 are set to return to the team this season. Which is why it shouldn't have come as a surprise when they elected not to select any receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, according to multiple reports, it appears the Texans made an addition to the receiving corps on Thursday by trading for Rams receiver Ben Skowronek. Skowronek was set to be released by the Rams, but Texans GM Nick Caserio made a deal to bring him to Houston before he was let go.
What did the Texans give up?
Dianna Russini is reporting that the Texans and Rams will swap 6th and 7th rounders in 2026.
Compensation: Houston and L.A. will swap 6th and 7th rounders in 2026, per sources https://t.co/Xsw3WHzhJH
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) May 9, 2024
Skowronek (age 26) only has 58 catches and 575 receiving yards over the course of his three-year career. Skowronek was drafted out of Notre Dame in the 7th round in 2021, and is in the final year of his contact.
With Tank Dell expected to miss OTA's in June as he recovers from a gunshot wound to the leg, perhaps Skowronek will add some depth to the position group, and he could also contribute on special teams this year.
Here's another possibility. The Texans could save some money against the cap by releasing WR Robert Woods. Could this be the reason for the trade? Skowronek wouldn't be expected to see the field much, even if they do release Woods. But the Texans could use the added cap room to address other areas of the team.
Either way, Skowronek should be familiar with the Texans' version of the West Coast Offense, after playing three years under Sean McVay.
Sunday night matchups don't get much exciting than this, as the Houston Texans host the Detroit Lions in prime-time at NRG.
The Lions come into this game on a six-game winning streak looking every bit of the best team in football. Houston on the other hand has lost two of their last three games with a struggling offense unable to protect their quarterback.
CJ Stroud has only one passing touchdown over this span, and is clearly having trouble adjusting to life without Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.
If Houston is going to come away with an upset victory, they will need big performances from Tank Dell and Joe Mixon. After catching 4 passes against the Colts two weeks ago, Mixon not only failed to catch a single pass against the Jets, but he wasn't even targeted.
Considering the Texans' offensive line issues, choosing not to use Mixon as a pass catcher is hard to fathom. Especially since he and Dell are the team's top 2 playmakers.
What's working in the Texans' favor?
They play this game at home, where they are undefeated this season. A lot of the team's protection issues have popped up on the road, so communication should be easier for the offense on their home turf.
Bulls on Parade
We have good news and bad news about the defense this week. On the positive side, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jimmy Ward have returned to practice. If they're able to contribute on Sunday night, that would give the defense a lift.
And now for the bad news. Will Anderson has yet to practice this week after rolling his ankle in the Jets game. If he is unable to practice on Friday, it's hard to imagine he'll be active against Detroit.
X-factors
The Texans have to show some improvement on the offensive line this week.
Houston must lean on Joe Mixon again, as Nico Collins isn't expected to play.
Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best receivers in the league, and he does most of his damage from the slot. If the Texans continue to deploy Jalen Pitre against premier receivers in man coverage, St. Brown is going to light up the scoreboard.
What would a win over the Lions mean to Houston?
The Texans are no longer considered a true championship contender because of their losses to the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. In fact, the Bills are the only team with a winning record that the Texans have beaten.
An upset win over the streaking Lions would change that narrative.
What does Vegas think?
The Lions are currently favored by 3.5 and the total is set at 49 points.
Don't miss the full preview of Texans-Lions in the video above!
_______________
Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Tickets are $75 for VIP and $50 for General Admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $10 off; use code SPORTSMAP at checkout. Get your tickets now!