Stroud didn't suit up for Thursday's 27-7 preseason-opening loss to the Chargers.
Houston rested its starters, including Stroud. Davis Mills led a touchdown drive on Houston's first possession before being replaced by third-string quarterback Graham Mertz, who subsequently injured his knee, prompting Mills to return to the game. Stroud had a forgettable playoff showing last season, but he remains locked in as Houston's starting QB ahead of Mills.