C.J. Stroud is now without the player he calls "the best receiver in the NFL" with Nico Collins sidelined at least four weeks due to a hamstring injury. Stroud is still confident in his connection with the next man up on Houston's depth chart.
Stroud detailed his work in practice sessions and the preseason with second-year wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson when meeting with the media Wednesday. Per Stroud, Hutchinson made major steps in recent weeks. The Texans quarterback is similarly impressed with Hutchinson's production: the 24-year-old hauled in two catches for 31 yards in Week 5's win over the Buffalo Bills, earning significant snaps on the outside with Collins sidelined.