The 49ers have dealt with more upheaval at the wide receiver position this week, with veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling released from injured reserve after suffering a calf injury.
Texans QB Reveals Midseason Changes Ahead of Showdown With Red-Hot Seahawks
Posted October 20, 2025
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud used the team’s bye week for more than rest. The second-year star spent the break studying himself according to the Houston Chronicle—breaking down his own film, analyzing tendencies, and identifying what his offense needs to change.
“I did a self-scout,” Stroud said Thursday. “There were some things we can build upon, and some things we shouldn’t do anymore. It helped me see our offense from the other side.”
The Texans’ off week came at the right time. Houston’s offense has looked rejuvenated after a sluggish start, scoring 70 points across back-to-back blowout wins over the Titans and Ravens. Stroud’s personal numbers have mirrored the turnaround—a 139.2 passer rating, six touchdowns, no interceptions, and an 81.8% completion rate over that two-game stretch.
The self-scouting process, Stroud explained, wasn’t about criticizing mistakes but about fine-tuning details ahead of a crucial test against one of the NFL’s most disciplined defenses.
“I think every week I get better,”
Stroud said. “As an offense, we’re learning what fits us and what doesn’t. It’s about adjusting and upgrading our ideas. We’re getting closer to our identity.”
Texans Face a Major Test in Seattle
That identity will face a tough test Monday night in Seattle. The Seahawks boast one of the league’s most balanced teams, led by quarterback Sam Darnold, who’s quietly putting together an MVP-level season. Darnold has completed 70.8% of his passes for 1,541 yards, 11 touchdowns, and just three interceptions—numbers that rival any passer in the NFC.
But if anyone can slow him down, it’s the Texans. Houston ranks first in scoring defense (12.2 points allowed per game) and fourth in total defense (265.8 yards allowed). Under head coach DeMeco Ryans, the defense has become a terrorizing force, powered by Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
Darnold himself acknowledged the challenge.
“Houston’s defense is rolling,” Darnold told reporters. “They fly around, they know their scheme inside and out. It’s one of the best groups in football right now.”
The Texans’ offense, however, won’t be at full strength. Wide receiver Christian Kirk has been ruled out with a hamstring injury he aggravated in practice. Houston will rely on Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel to pick up the slack.Defensively, Houston will monitor injuries to Denico Autry and Jaylen Reed, both questionable with knee issues. Ryans said their activation decisions will come down to game day.
Stroud and Ryans in Lockstep
Despite the setbacks, the chemistry between Stroud and Ryans has been one of the franchise’s biggest strengths. Ryans credited Stroud’s decision-making as the key to the team’s resurgence.
“C.J.’s being decisive,” Ryans said. “He’s getting the ball out quickly, distributing it to different guys, and making great decisions. That’s what’s allowing him to play well.”
Against Baltimore, Stroud completed passes to eight different receivers, reflecting a more balanced offensive rhythm that he hopes to maintain against Seattle’s aggressive secondary.
“A lot of guys touched the ball,” Stroud said. “That’s good for us. We just have to keep up the tempo, stay sharp in the huddle, and keep improving our operations.”
Stroud admits the offense still isn’t where he wants it, but he sees steady progress.
“You can be the hero or the zero,” Stroud said. “Sometimes the same things finally start to work. It just takes time—new schemes, new coaches, new ideas. But our confidence keeps growing.”
The Texans enter Monday night with momentum, confidence, and a defense that refuses to bend. Whether Stroud’s week of self-study pays off could determine if Houston cements itself as a legitimate AFC contender.
49ers’ returning rookie could have immediate opportunity to shine in primetime
The 49ers have a chance to finally get Jordan Watkins on the field on Sunday Night Football.
With Ricky Pearsall still waiting to return from a knee issue, the 49ers are severely lacking in wide receivers on whom they know they can rely.
But their paucity of options at the position may give a belated opportunity to an exciting rookie who is finally healthy.
The 49ers got fourth-round rookie Jordan Watkins back from a calf injury this week, putting him in line to make his debut in primetime as San Francisco faces the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football.
Injuries have kept Watkins out since his extremely exciting preseason debut, in which he hauled in a 50-yard reception from Mac Jones.
Typically, the chances of Watkins receiving much action on offense after such a lay-off would be low. However, with the level of injuries and the departure of a speedster in Valdes-Scantling, there is a possibility Watkins could have an interesting role to play.
Watkins’ selling points are his 4.3 speed, his route-running craft, and his strong hands.
Valdes-Scantling’s departure has left Demarcus Robinson as only other deep threat for the 49ers outside of Watkins. As such, there is merit to the idea of getting Watkins on the field immediately to stretch the field in an effort to not only push the ball downfield, but also create more favorable looks for the run game with the explosive play threat the former Ole Miss star can provide.
In addition, Watkins’ speed could make him a useful weapon for the run game who could operate in a role similar to that of Deebo Samuel.
Asked about how Watkins could change how defenses play the 49ers because of his speed, Kyle Shanahan said on Friday: “It depends on what they do. You know, he hasn’t been out there yet in an NFL game, so I don’t think people really care until you make a play like that.
“I thought he’s come back from his injury well, had a real good week of practice, looks like he’s healed, he’s gotten in shape and had a good week. So, we’ll see if he’s up.”
The prudent move for the 49ers would to be make sure Watkins is up to make a long-awaited debut.
San Francisco isn’t in a position to be picky when it comes to explosive playmakers at receiver, and the best way to make defenses respect the threat from Watkins is to give him a chance to make those big-time plays. It is in the 49ers’ best interests to at least provide him with some opportunities to do so in primetime.
