If you watch the Houston Texans on a Sunday, you probably aren't looking for a track meet. You’re looking for those laser-accurate, 40-yard dimes that C.J. Stroud drops into Nico Collins' lap. But here’s the thing: people have this weird idea that Stroud is a "statue" in the pocket. It's a narrative that followed him from Ohio State, where he basically refused to run until that legendary Peach Bowl game against Georgia.
Honestly, the CJ Stroud rushing stats tell a much more interesting story than the "pocket passer" label suggests. He isn't Lamar Jackson, and he's not trying to be. But he has quietly turned into a highly efficient "extension" runner—someone who picks up 8 yards on 3rd-and-7 when the defense forgets he has legs.
The Regular Season Reality: Breaking Down the Numbers
Let's look at the raw data. In his 2023 rookie campaign, Stroud put up 167 rushing yards on 39 attempts. That’s an average of 4.3 yards per carry. He also punched in 3 rushing touchdowns, showing a surprising nose for the goal line when the field shrank.
Fast forward to the 2024 season, and we saw a jump. He ended the year with 233 rushing yards on 52 carries. He didn't find the end zone on the ground that year, but his ability to move the chains became more apparent.
As of late 2025, through 14 games, he’s already sitting at 209 rushing yards and another score. If you're doing the math at home, he’s averaging about 15 yards per game on the ground.
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- 2023: 167 Yards | 3 TDs | 4.3 YPC
- 2024: 233 Yards | 0 TDs | 4.5 YPC
- 2025 (Partial): 209 Yards | 1 TD | 4.4 YPC
These aren't eye-popping numbers if you're comparing him to the dual-threat monsters of the league. However, they're vital. A quarterback who can guarantee 4.4 yards every time he tucks and runs is a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Basically, if you play man coverage and turn your back to him, he’s going to make you pay.
Scrambles vs. Designed Runs: The Texans' Strategy
Most of Stroud’s rushing production doesn't come from the coaches drawing up a QB Power or a Sweep. According to PFF data, the vast majority of his yardage comes from scrambles.
In 2025, for instance, he had 48 designed runs—but a huge chunk of those are "kneel-downs" or very short-yardage sneaks. The "real" rushing yards, the ones that kill a defense's spirit, happen when a play breaks down.
When you look at his scramble yards specifically, he ranks in the top half of the league. He has an elite "Rushing Grade" (around 73.0 per PFF) because he is smart. He doesn't take big hits. He slides. He gets out of bounds. He treats rushing like a "break glass in case of emergency" tool rather than a primary weapon.
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The Playoff Factor: Does He Run More in Big Games?
This is where the stats get spicy. There is a definite trend with Stroud: when the stakes are high, he runs.
In the 2024 postseason, over two games, he rushed 12 times for 84 yards. That is a massive uptick from his regular-season average. He went from averaging 13 yards a game to 42 yards a game in the playoffs.
Recently, in the 2025 Wild Card win against Pittsburgh, he didn't record a rushing yard, but his presence in the pocket forced the Steelers to stay disciplined, which opened up the passing lanes. It's a chess match. Even when the CJ Stroud rushing stats show a zero, his mobility is affecting the game.
Common Misconceptions About Stroud's Speed
People think he’s slow. He’s not.
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He didn't run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, but scouts have always pegged his speed in the 4.7 range. That’s plenty fast. The "problem"—if you can even call it that—is his discipline. Stroud is a "pass-first, pass-second, pass-third" quarterback.
He’s often criticized for staying in the pocket too long. Sometimes, he’ll take a sack (he took 52 in 2024) instead of taking the 4 yards available on the ground. This is the trade-off. He wants the big play through the air.
What This Means for Fantasy and Betting
If you’re looking at Stroud for fantasy football, you have to realize his rushing is a floor-raiser, not a ceiling-breaker. He’ll give you an extra 1.5 to 2.5 points per game from rushing. That’s nice, but it’s not Josh Allen territory.
From a betting perspective, his "Over/Under" for rushing yards usually sits in the 12.5 to 16.5 range. He hits the "Over" most often against aggressive man-coverage teams like the Ravens or the Browns. When teams drop seven or eight into zone, he tends to stay put and pick them apart with his arm.
Actionable Insights for the Rest of the Season
- Watch the Matchup: If the Texans are playing a team with a high blitz rate, expect Stroud to have higher rushing totals. Scrambles are a direct response to pressure.
- Red Zone Usage: Stroud is a sneaky candidate for QB sneaks near the goal line, though the Texans have been cautious with him after his rookie-year head injury concerns.
- The Playoff Push: Expect the rushing attempts to go up as we hit the postseason. History shows he’s willing to put his body on the line when it’s "win or go home."
Ultimately, Stroud's legs are a tactical tool. He uses them to keep defenses honest. He isn't a "running QB," but he is a mobile one—and that distinction is exactly why he’s one of the best young players in the league.
Next Steps to Track Stroud's Performance:
- Check the weekly PFF "Scramble Rate" to see if Bobby Slowik is integrating more designed movement for Stroud.
- Monitor his "Yards After Contact" in the rushing game; if this rises, it indicates he's becoming more aggressive in finishing runs rather than sliding early.