The Houston Texans faced several critical health questions heading into their Saturday showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17, with much of it critical to quarterback C.J. Stroud. In the Texans’ final update of the week, Stroud got good news.
Stroud will have another offensive line combination against a strong pass rush in a road tilt against the Chargers.
However, the scenario ended in a more promising fashion.
C.J. Stroud Gets Encouraging Update Amid Texans’ Final Injury Report
GettyAireontae Ersery #79 of the Houston Texans takes the field during player introductions before facing the Tennessee Titans
Despite listing numerous players with various ailments and differing levels of practice participation throughout the week, the Texans ultimately ruled two players out. Unfortunately for Stroud, one of them is right tackle Trent Brown.
However, Tytus Howard will replace Brown, who is dealing with multiple injuries. Howard began the season as the Texans’ starting RT. Jarrett Patterson will step in for Howard at left guard.
Moreover, Stroud could still have left tackle Aireontae Ersersy protecting his blindside.
“Aireontae Ersery returned to practice and was limited today. He underwent surgery and had metal hardware inserted into broken thumb Tuesday, per a league source,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on December 25. “#Texans rookie left tackle giving it a go.”
Ersery, the No. 48 overall pick of the 2025 draft, has not missed any game time this season, and his ability to get back on the practice field so soon after surgery is encouraging for Stroud.
He averaged 2.1 sacks taken over the first eight games this season.
Since returning from his three-game absence due to a concussion, a span of four games, Stroud has absorbed 1.5 sacks per game, with the offensive line and the Texans’ schedule playing a part in the turnaround.
Stroud noted how connected the Chargers’ defense plays up front and on the back end, a trait that offensive lines also need for schemes to operate effectively.
Texans Still Have Plenty to Play For
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on after the game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Texans can still overtake the Jacksonville Jaguars for the AFC South crown, but they need to win out and for the Jaguars to lose at least one more game.
One such loss, and the Texans and Jaguars finishing with the same record, would give Houston the tiebreaker. The Texans are 4-1 against the AFC South, while the Jaguars are 3-1. The Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans to close out the regular season.
Stroud and the Texans will face the Colts in Week 18.
Indy still has faint chances of making the postseason, and they can still disrupt the standings ahead of them.
First and foremost, the Texans must topple the Chargers, who are also looking to stay in the hunt for their division crown with one game to go against the team ahead of them, the Denver Broncos, who defeated Houston in Week 9.
That was the game in which Stroud suffered his concussion and the Texans’ most recent loss.
Chargers Rule Out 4 Players
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans on the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Like the Texans, the Chargers only conducted a walkthrough on Thursday, making several key final determinations for Saturday’s contest, some of which should bode well for Stroud.
The Chargers ruled out cornerback Benjamin St. Juste and safety R.J. Mickens due to shoulder injuries. Neither player starts, but both have been on the field plenty for the Chargers this season, making their absences noteworthy.
The same is true of offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer and return man Derius Davis.
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