The Houston Texans got a jolt in Tuesday’s practice, and it came in the form of a play that stretched 80 yards and ended in the end zone.
C.J. Stroud hooked up with David Montgomery on the biggest play of camp so far, a long touchdown down the sideline that ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime highlighted as the standout moment of training camp to this point. As Bien-Aime put it, "But Stroud also connected for a 80-yard touchdown to running back David Montgomery down the sideline."
That kind of connection is exactly the sort of thing Houston has been hoping to see as it looks for its offense to take another step forward in 2026. The Texans didn’t bring Montgomery in just to hammer away between the tackles. His value is supposed to go well beyond early-down carries, and Tuesday’s rep showed why.
Montgomery’s ability to work as a receiver adds another layer to what Houston can do. Once he gets into space, he can turn a simple route into a problem for defenses, and this play was a clean example of that threat.
It was also another encouraging sign for Stroud, who has already had a camp that’s produced some positive moments. Houston wants more consistency and more explosiveness from its passing game, and an 80-yard strike to a running back fits that bill in a big way.
Nick Caley’s offense also appears built to create these kinds of openings. Montgomery’s physical style can pull defenders toward the run, which in turn can create chances for him to slip out of the backfield and do damage through the air. If that starts happening regularly, Montgomery becomes a far more dangerous piece than a standard rushing role would suggest.
The Texans still have plenty to sort out before the regular season starts, but a play like this gives them something tangible to build on. Stroud has weapons around him, and Montgomery adds another versatile option to an offense that clearly has room to grow.
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