C.J. Stroud enters Week 3 of the 2026 regular season with just two passing touchdowns through 93 attempts and 627 yards, as the Texans sit at 0-2 amid offensive line pressure and a nonexistent ground game. The absence of top wideout Nico Collins (hamstring) in Week 2 forced heavy reliance on tight end Dalton Schultz and limited red-zone efficiency, while Stroud added minimal rushing production. Contract extension talks have been paused until after the season, framing this as a prove-it campaign for the fourth-year quarterback. A potential Collins return against the Colts could boost target volume and scoring opportunities, though persistent protection issues and the team's run-first defensive identity continue to cap passing touchdown upside.