Demonstrating his athletic prowess with Ohio State football, CJ Stroud transitioned to a heroic role for the Houston Texans, instilling a winning culture and breaking numerous records. Just as the team appeared poised for a successful season and coveted the Lombardi trophy, their starting quarterback’s injury plunged them into a metaphorical storm.
As the Texans face a crucial Week 16 showdown with potential repercussions for the AFC playoff race, the rookie player’s injury woes persist, forcing them to entrust their former veteran quarterback with the responsibility.
CJ Stroud injury update
The Texans are set to be without their standout rookie quarterback, CJ Stroud, as they face off against the Cleveland Browns. This absence stems from long-drawn-out concussion symptoms that have sidelined Stroud since late in a Week 14 loss.
Despite Stroud’s impressive rookie campaign, where he has amassed 3,631 passing yards in 13 games, per SI.com. With the record, he was able to put himself within striking distance of Andrew Luck’s 2012 rookie record. However, the quarterback finds himself unable to contribute to the Texans’ crucial clash against the Browns. His 20 touchdowns and mere five interceptions underscore the impact he has had on the team’s offensive prowess.
The rookie starter suffered a concussion during the Week 14 encounter with the New York Jets, which has prevented him from clearing the necessary protocols for a return to play. As a result, the Texans officially ruled him out for Sunday’s game in their Friday practice report, confirming earlier speculations that he would miss this key matchup.
The Browns, too, find themselves in a similar quarterback quandary as their Week 1 starter, Deshaun Watson, is sidelined with a season-ending shoulder injury. Joe Flacco is set to start for the fourth consecutive game for the Browns, marking Cleveland’s fourth starting quarterback this season.
Who will replace CJ Stroud?
Veteran quarterback Case Keenum discovered himself thrust into the spotlight during Week 15 as he took the helm in the absence of CJ Stroud. Despite officially holding the No. 2 QB slot behind Davis Mills, Keenum’s experience and poise played a crucial role in the Texans’ 19-16 overtime victory against the Tennessee Titans.
Keenum did not fall short of showcasing his ability to step up when needed, throwing for 229 yards, a touchdown, and a pick. The seasoned quarterback’s history with the Texans dates back to 2012, when he began his NFL journey with the team. However, it was his noteworthy stint with the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 that truly solidified his reputation as a reliable leader on the field.
In 2017, Keenum took over the Vikings amid an injury, guiding the team to an impressive 11-3 run and securing a spot in the NFC Championship Game. This experience brings a valuable veteran presence to the Texans, especially during crucial moments like Stroud’s absence.
As Stroud continues to miss games, the Texans recognize the need for depth at the quarterback position. In a strategic move, they agreed to sign free-agent quarterback Tim Boyle to their practice squad on Tuesday. This decision proves the team’s commitment to ensuring they have reliable options under center, reducing their reliance on any single player.
With a pivotal matchup against the Cleveland Browns looming on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, both teams sporting identical 9-5 records, the AFC playoff picture hangs in the balance.
Which team do you think can improve their standings following Week 16?
