Dec 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) walks off the field after an apparent injury during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Houston Texans at New York Jets
HOUSTON — The Texans could be without their star quarterback for a pivotal Week 15 matchup.
C.J. Stroud is in the league’s concussion protocol, the team announced on Monday. Stroud exited Week 14 against the Jets after being thrown to the ground by Jets lineman Quinnen Williams in the fourth quarter.
After the game, Williams wished Stroud well on social media amid criticism that his hit was late.
“I pray CJ is ok, everyone know I’m not a dirty player or trying to hurt a great, Elite QB like him or any player in the league. I play hard and I play fair. Again I pray CJ is ok and wish him nothing but the best.”
Stroud will need to clear concussion protocol if he hopes to suit up against the Titans in a game that will carry massive playoff implications for the Texans.
“Yeah, on the hit with C.J., we got to block it better,” Texans head coach Demeco Ryans told reporters after the game. “We can’t allow them to get back to our quarterback. We have to block it better upfront.”
His exit is another blow to a Houston offense that lost wide receiver Tank Dell to a season-ending injury last week and saw receiver Nico Collins leave Sunday’s game with a calf injury.
If Stroud is unable to go, it will be backup Davis Mills making his first start of the season.
