Texans vs Titans: Is CJ Stroud going to play in Week 17 after injured QB returns to practice?

Following a disappointing 3-13-1 record last season, the Houston Texans have experienced a remarkable turnaround this year, currently holding an impressive 8-7 record. At the heart of their newfound success lies their rookie quarterback, CJ Stroud.

As the Texans are ambitiously pursuing playoff dreams, the rookie starter’s injury initially cast a shadow of concern over the team. Nevertheless, with preparations underway for their crucial Week 17 game, a recent update on his injury has emerged as a reassuring source of relief for the team and its dedicated fanbase.

CJ Stroud returns to practice session

C.J. Stroud has made a triumphant return to practice after a challenging stint on the sidelines. Stroud, who suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets on December 10, reentered the huddle with determination.

During the open practice session for media members, Stroud was spotted donning his helmet and a red No. 7 practice jersey. By engaging in pre-practice throws with veteran receiver Robert Woods, Stroud showcased his commitment to getting back into the rhythm of the game. This marks his first appearance in practice since the concussion setback.

The rookie quarterback missed the past two games following the head injury against the Jets, where his head collided with the turf after a late hit by defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. After being officially ruled out for the games against the Cleveland Browns along with defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and linebacker Blake Cashman, Stroud’s absence was notable in the Texans’ recent performances.

In Stroud’s stead, Case Keenum assumed the role of the starting quarterback, guiding the team to a 1-1 record. While the Texans secured a hard-fought 19-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 15, they faced a setback with a 36-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 16.

Stroud’s return to practice brings a sense of optimism to the Texans, especially considering his stellar performance throughout the season, breaking the impressive record of NFL legend Tom Brady. As the frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stroud’s statistics speak volumes: 3,631 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 13 games, per US News.

CJ Stroud going to play against the Titans?

As the Houston Texans gear up for a high-voltage AFC South matchup against the Tennessee Titans, all eyes are on the status of CJ Stroud. The talented quarterback, who choked up providing an injury update of Tank Dell, remains under medical evaluation, with his availability for Sunday’s game hanging in the balance.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans provided insights into Stroud’s current situation, revealing that the medical team would assess him throughout the week before making a definitive decision. Stroud is currently in stage four of the concussion protocol, with one more phase remaining.

“He’s in stage four of the concussion protocol, still has one more phase.”

While Ryans refrained from explicitly confirming Stroud’s availability, the head coach expressed relief and optimism after witnessing the quarterback back in action during practice. According to Ryans, Stroud’s return injected a sense of happiness and confidence into the team as they prepared for the crucial AFC South battle.

“It was encouraging to see him. It lifts everybody’s spirits to see him back, doing well, and still progressing in the right direction. Happy about that.”

The Texans, currently tied atop the AFC South standings with Indianapolis and Jacksonville, face a critical Week 17 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. With the Jaguars holding the tiebreaker in the division, the Texans aim to secure a victory to maintain their position and boost their chances in the wild-card race.

The significance of Stroud’s potential return is heightened as the Texans control their destiny in the remaining two weeks of the regular season. If they can secure victories in their remaining two games, they will punch their ticket to the postseason.

Stay tuned to get the latest update.