The Houston Texans are on a short week and facing the 2024 AFC runners-up in the Buffalo Bills in Week 12, but they appear headed for another contest without starting quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Stroud has not practiced for the Texans in two-plus weeks. However, there is a glimmer of hope for the 2023 Pro Bowler and Offensive Rookie of the Year’s return.
That would be key amid the Texans’ other injury updates.
C.J. Stroud Misses Another Texans Practice
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before facing the Denver Broncos.
The Texans did not practice on Monday, instead holding a walkthrough and providing estimated participation levels for various players, including Stroud. Stroud was still an estimated non-participant.
Safety Jalen Pitre, who is also in concussion protocol, participated on a limited basis.
“Pitre has an outside chance to play,” The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander posted on X on November 17. “Stroud is highly unlikely given he did not participate today.”
Stroud and second-year linebacker Jamal Hill were the only non-participants in Monday’s walkthrough report. The Texans have just one more practice this week, on Tuesday, before an off day on Wednesday, and the game on Thursday.
Stroud seemingly does not have enough time to pass all five phases of the concussion protocol.
DeMeco Ryans Gets Honest About C.J. Stroud, Jalen Pitre
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks on before facing the Tennessee Titans.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans spoke candidly about Stroud before the walkthrough, noting that Stroud and safety Pitre both remained in concussion protocol.
Both players were injured in the Texans’ Week 9 loss to the Denver Broncos.
“When they’re in the concussion protocol, there are steps they have to pass to be available. So, we’ll see how it goes for them this week,” Ryans told reporters during his day-after press conference on November 17.
“We’re hopeful for C.J. to get back healthy. That’s the first thing, and the most important thing. And for me in my spot, I just have to deal with it based on when they pass the steps they need to pass. And if they are available, then being able to see them on the field, see them get reps, and see how that goes. But as of right now, it’s kind of nothing that I can do from my seat here. I’m just praying for those guys to just get back healthy.”
This would mark the longest absence of Stroud’s career. He missed two games as a rookie during the 2023 season, also with a concussion. The Texans split those contests.
They are 2-0 this season with Davis Mills in the QB1 role.
C.J. Stroud Showing Encouraging Signs for Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans on the field after defeating the Tennessee Titans.
Alexander also doubted that Stroud would be able to make it back in time for the Texans’ “Thursday Night Football” showdown against the Bills.
Again, the timing of the contest put Stroud and the Texans in a bind.
“Stroud has been inside the Texans’ locker room lately, as has Pitre, a positive sign that both have made progress,” Alexander wrote on November 17. “But the fact that neither has practiced indicates that they have still been dealing with symptoms from the injury.
“The fact that this is a shorter game week also complicates things. If the Texans and Bills played this coming Sunday, both would have had a better shot to clear protocol.”
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