Texans’ C.J. Stroud, Tank Dell ‘fine-tuning, keep muscles firing’ with Justin Allen workout

HOUSTON – It was a Sunday, but it was hardly a day of rest for Texans star quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Tank Dell.

They spent that time getting in a rigorous workout with NFL and NBA elite trainer Justin Allen, days before the defending AFC South champion Texans open training camp Thursday.

The work doesn’t stop for the Texans as they chase bigger goals, pursuing a Super Bowl one year after engineering a turnaround from a 3-13-1 season in 2022 to finish 11-8 and win a playoff game last season during Stroud and Dell’s rookie season.

“A little finetuning to keep the muscles firing, to be prepared for what they’re going to do with camp coming up and keep the lower body explosive and to be prepared for a throwing session they’re having,” Allen told KPRC 2. “I think Year 2 is going to special. Like any other athlete, that season is a lot harder. You’re no longer a surprise. You’re a target now week in and week out.

“There’s more film, more tendencies and they prepare for those moments. The confidence they have in their abilities, you should see a repeat form from last year, even with the adversity they’ll face with teams having that understanding of what they can do.”

This marked Allen’s first workout with Stroud. Dell, his close friend and one of his favorite downfield targets, is a regular at Allen’s workout facility.

Stroud was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last season as he led the NFL in passing yards per game and touchdown-to-interception ratio.

“I think you have to credit his preparation because you don’t do what he did without being prepared,” Allen said. “The team has around him, trainers, coaching staff, have done a great job preparing him. He knows exactly what he wants to do. He came in and told me exactly what he wants to do and I made a few adjustments with my style of training.

“I think he looks great. He’s in great shape. His confidence and his faith in God, I have no doubt he’ll have another amazing season and be able to put the team on his back and lead the team. It’s same thing with Tank, knowing what to expect and be prepared to lead the way.”

Dell made a full recovery from a broken fibula as a rookie. Then, he made a complete recovery from a gunshot flesh wound through his leg as a victim in a mass shooting in Florida.

“Honestly, I think he’s probably in his best shape,” Allen said. “I would like for it to be on display so the whole world can see. He looks good. He has put on some size. He’s moving well. The injury didn’t do anything, but make a lot of small muscles go to work. When you’re adding a little more twitch and explosion to your game, I’m excited and prepared. He knows what to expect and he has put the work in to show the same Flash we got to see last year as a rookie.”

The Texans are a prime playoff contender. They also have the NFL’s fourth toughest schedule.

Allen, the brother of former New England Patriots tight end Dwayne Allen, expects a lot from the Texans under coach DeMeco Ryans’ leadership.

“From watching my brother go to back to back Super Bowls and having Tom Brady as his quarterback, the goal is always the Super Bowl,” Allen said. “The focus is one game at a time. On paper, they look like a team that could make a run for a Super Bowl. I think they have just as much of a chance to do so as well. I think focusing on one game at a time is the most important thing. How they’ll go into the season, executing and coming together as a team with new faces, new coaches and new installments, they’ll have to learn new things. Once they do, they can play at their best.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.