Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was notably absent from Wednesday afternoon’s practice as he continues to undergo concussion protocol following the team’s 30-6 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday.
The injury occurred with 6:43 remaining in the fourth quarter when Stroud took a hard hit from Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, causing his head to bounce off the MetLife Stadium turf. Stroud, after briefly grimacing in pain, walked to the locker room and did not return.
While his availability for Sunday’s Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium remains uncertain, coach DeMeco Ryans provided an optimistic update on Stroud’s condition, stating, “C.J. is getting a little bit better. We will see how the week goes, but he is still in concussion protocol.”
In the event that Stroud is unable to play, the Texans are prepared to start either Case Keenum or Davis Mills against the Titans. The likely choice would be Mills, who started 14 games for the Texans last season. Mills played a pivotal role in Houston’s Week 18 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, amassing 298 yards on 22-for-38 passing with three touchdowns.
Despite a couple of interceptions in the third quarter, Mills orchestrated a game-winning drive, covering 83 yards in 14 plays in the final 2 minutes and 43 seconds, culminating in a 28-yard touchdown connection with tight end Jordan Akins.
While Keenum, who last started in 2021 as a member of the Cleveland Browns, has been inactive this season, Ryans expressed confidence in the team’s quarterback depth, stating, “We feel that we have a really strong quarterback room since training camp. In this league, you never know what will happen. But it’s comforting to have three guys who can go out there and play and not miss a beat.”
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