Late in the season, every player is dealing with something.
It could be a bruised ribcage.
It could be a jammed finger.
Some players are playing through broken bones just for a chance to secure a Lombardi Trophy.
So, is Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud dealing with something? According to the second-year passer, following what he called “one of the worst games” of his career in a 31-2 loss against the Baltimore Ravens, he’s been playing “a bit banged up.”
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the news but also said Stroud wasn’t the only player dealing with an injury entering Week 18’s regular-season finale.
“I think that’s real and that’s real for everyone in the league at this time of the year,” Ryans said.“The amount of games guys have played, the snaps they play, everybody is banged up. It’s what it is. That’s NFL football this time of year.”
During the second quarter, Stroud left the game after being sacked by Odafe Oweh but returned a play later. Even though the offense was struggling, it dived in the second half.
Stroud tossed an ugly interception to begin the third quarter as the Ravens pulled away behind the legs of Lamar Jackson. He finished 17 of 31 passing for 185 yards.
The sack totals continue to pile up entering the postseason. Stroud was hit five times by a revamped Ravens’ front seven on Christmas, which totaled on to the other 48 sacks issued this season to bring the total to 53.
But sacks can’t be the only issue in Stroud’s game. The turnover woes have allowed opponents to not just remain in close battles but eventually pull away with victories in the final quarter.
“I think C.J. would be the first to tell you he has to play better,” Ryans said. “And our entire team has to rally around him and play better as well. I think collectively as a team, we all have to play better.”
The Texans are expected to play their starters in the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Stroud included. For how long? That will be determined by the game’s outcome.
Stroud could be on a snap count since the team needs him to win a playoff game in two weeks, but Ryans wants him to play better and close out the year on a high before the elimination game.
“For us right now, I think it’s a feel for where your team is at this point of the season,” Ryans said. “For me right now, our team needs to be playing better before we head into the postseason.”
Kickoff from Nissan Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.