Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or C.J. Stroud

Wednesday, August 28, 8:22 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers are acquiring quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. Not only is starting quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) recovering from plantar fasciitis in his foot, but backup Easton Stick regressed in training camp and the preseason. The 31-year-old Heinicke will be an upgrade at the QB position behind Herbert entering the regular season next week. In Atlanta, the Falcons were expected all along to try and trade Heinicke after taking rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the first round in April. Heinicke made his NFL debut back in 2017 with the Houston Texans and has appeared in 38 games (29 starts) since then with four different teams. His best year came in 2021 with Washington, when he threw for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 picks on 321 pass attempts over 16 games (15 starts).

Sunday, October 20, 4:24 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was held in check during a 24-22 loss at Green Bay, compiling a season-low 86 yards on 10-for-21 passing with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also added 19 yards rushing on five attempts. The second-year quarterback was sacked four times and saw nearly a third of his passing yards on one play, a 28-yard completion to tight end Dalton Schultz. It was an all-around frustrating day for the Houston offense, which was held without a passing touchdown for the first time this season. Stroud and the Texans will look for better in Week 8 against Indianapolis.