C.J. Stroud is ‘getting a little bit better’ but remains in doubt to play Sunday
The Houston Texans’ improbable pursuit of the NFL playoffs likely hinges on whether their quarterback can quickly overcome a scary head injury.
That is the challenge facing C.J. Stroud, the probable Offensive Rookie of the Year who was rapidly become one of the league’s better quarterbacks. Stroud suffered a concussion during Sunday’s 30-6 loss to the New York Jets, and the Texans — precariously perched in the AFC playoff picture — are hoping the star signal-caller returns sooner than later, as only four games remain in the regular season.
Ryans offers an update
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters on Wednesday that while Stroud did not practice on Wednesday, he is on the road to recovery after he suffered the head injury.
“C.J., he’s getting a little bit better,” Ryans said. “We’ll see how the week continues to go, but he’s still in the concussion protocol.”
Stroud was injured midway through the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, when Jets lineman Quinnen Williams smothered him. It was the second time in as many weeks where Stroud took a big hit that left him dazed — he missed two plays during the week 13 win over the Denver Broncos after he was left worse for wear on a quarterback sneak.
Could Stroud play against the Titans?
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr could be an inspiration for Stroud, in the sense that the concussed Carr on Sunday returned to action against the Carolina Panthers — having only been cleared on Friday after an independent examination. Stroud may not be so fortunate, and Houston does not want to rush the greatest hope its franchise has arguably ever had.
It’s possible that Stroud is cleared and emerges from the concussion protocol before the weekend, but if he does not, he won’t play against fellow rookie Will Levis and his Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Texans could turn to backup Davis Mills — the team’s starter before Stroud was picked second overall in the 2023 draft — or even hand the reins to Case Keenum, the one-time playoff starter in Minnesota.
