Star rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud will be absent from the Houston Texans’ critical AFC clash with the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium on Sunday, still sidelined due to a concussion sustained in Week 14 against the New York Jets. Encouraging reports from ESPN indicate that Stroud has shown improvement in the latter part of the week, raising hopes for his return to the lineup in the upcoming AFC South matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
In Stroud’s absence, Case Keenum, making his second consecutive start, will lead the Texans against the Browns, relying on their top-ranked defense. Stroud’s impressive season, amassing 3,631 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 13 games, has solidified his status as the standout rookie passer. In the previous week’s overtime victory against the Titans, Keenum played a pivotal role, supported by a stellar defensive performance.
Nico Collins, the Texans’ primary receiver, is set to make a comeback after being sidelined with a calf injury since the Week 14 loss to the Jets, providing a boost for Keenum. Both Cleveland and Houston are actively vying for playoff positions in a tightly contested AFC Wild Card race featuring seven teams within their respective divisions.
The absence of Stroud, who has exceeded expectations in his rookie season, poses a significant challenge for the Texans in their pursuit of a 9-6 record.
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