Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud sat out Wednesday’s practice.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that Stroud is “getting a little bit better” but remains in the concussion protocol. The rookie left Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets when his head hit the turf hard on a Quinnen Williams takedown.
DeMeco Ryans: C.J. Is getting better. Still in protocol. They’ll see how the week goes. #Texans pic.twitter.com/js7SRGPNlS
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) December 13, 2023
Davis Mills finished the Week 14 game and could be in line to make his first start of the season. Ryans expressed confidence in the offense staying afloat with Mills or Case Keenum under center.
“We feel that we have a really strong quarterback group since training camp. We feel really good about all three guys that we have.” Ryans said. “Just know in this league, you never know what happens at the position. It’s comforting to have three guys who can go out and play and you don’t miss a beat.”
Inheriting a team that won three games last season, Stroud has led Houston to a 7-6 start with 3,631 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He’s third in yards per attempt (8.2) and fourth in quarterback rating (98.7) among active players with at least six starts.
Stroud settled for just 91 passing yards before exiting Sunday’s 30-6 loss during the fourth quarter. Despite the setback, the Texans are in a six-way tie for two wild-card spots and one game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South.
Stroud’s status remains uncertain for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. Although it’s possible an independent neurologist clears Stroud in time, those chances would get much slimmer if he’s not cleared before Thursday’s practice.