C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans had lofty expectations entering the season — and they’re still well on track to fulfill them.

But their 6-2 start has been far from easy. Or pretty. And the banged-up AFC South leaders know it.

“I think it’s a goal we had was to start fast and I believe that we’ve been putting on some good ball,” Stroud said, “but we have a lot to still clean up.”

They’ve won four of their past five, with the only loss coming on a field goal as time expired at Green Bay on Oct. 20. Next up is a Halloween night matchup against Aaron Rodgers and the struggling New York Jets (2-6).

“It’s just exciting times,” Stroud said. “It’s coming into the two hardest months of ball is November and December. We get to end October on a prime-time game and it’s going to be a great matchup against the Jets and we’ve got to be able to be ready and try to finish October the right way.”

Police probe traffic stop involving Lions WR

Police in Detroit are conducting an internal investigation after Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was not locked up following a traffic stop despite the discovery of a gun under his seat that he didn’t have a permit to carry, authorities said.

Chief James White was “very unhappy about the totality of the circumstances here,” Commander Michael McGinnis told WXYZ-TV.

The gun was registered to Williams, but he does not have a concealed-carry permit, the TV station reported.

Without a permit in Michigan, a gun owner typically must place the weapon in a closed case while in a vehicle. A violation is a felony.

• Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is scheduled to get his second straight start on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, who expect to have Derek Carr return under center for the first time since Week 5.

Andy Dalton was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, but Carolina coach Dave Canales said he wanted to err on the side of caution and give Dalton another week to recover from the thumb injury he suffered in a car accident last week.

Dalton will be the team’s No. 2 quarterback.

• The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a trade to acquire eight-year veteran left tackle Cam Robinson following the season-ending injury to Christian Darrisaw.

The deal, which was announced by the Vikings on Wednesday, was pending completion of a physical exam. The Vikings will send the Jaguars a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft that can become a fourth-rounder.