The last time the Bucs and Texans met, it was a 39-37 shootout classic won by the Texans. This time, it shapes up as a grind. After a sloppy, penalty-riddled offensive showing in a 9-14 loss to the Rams , a performance QB C.J. Stroud bluntly called “lollygagging, ” the urgency to win and avoid the Chiefs ’ (0-2) early-season stumble is palpable. Yet Stroud’s latest update on his tight end room only deepens the concern.

Sophomore tight end Cade Stover underwent successful surgery for a broken foot and is now on injured reserve, out indefinitely. The hope is a return later this season, but hope is a fragile thing in the NFL. As Ryans put it, “I really hate that. He’s playing tough, physical, exactly how we want it done.”

Stover led the team with a perfect catch rat

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