The Houston Texans got back on the practice field on Wednesday, and they had third-year starting quarterback C.J. Stroud in action. While Stroud participated in practice last week, he still garnered additional attention for his efforts in the Texans’ first practice of Week 13.
Stroud has missed the Texans’ last three games in concussion protocol.
Stroud has yet to gain clearance to return to game action, but a new report says that is exactly what is expected to happen with a road trip to face the Indianapolis Colts on deck.
C.J. Stroud Draws Attention as Texans Return to Practice
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans celebrates a win against the Tennessee Titans.
Stroud was limited in his first practice last Tuesday, two-plus weeks after he suffered a concussion in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos. He missed Wednesday’s session.
So, his full participation to start Week 13 is encouraging. It is also only part of the good news.
ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime reported on X on November 26 to “Expect the announcement that he is cleared on Friday during availability,” before KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson corroborated Stroud’s anticipated return.
The Texans have gone undefeated with Davis Mills playing in Stroud’s absence, putting themselves back into the hunt for not just a postseason berth, but also the AFC South crown.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans previously made it clear that Stroud is QB1 when healthy.
“Whenever C.J. is back, ready to roll, he’s been our starter,” Ryans told reporters during his post-Week 12 media availability on November 24. “He will be our starter whenever he’s back, ready to go.”
The same is true for safety Jalen Pitre, who has also been in concussion protocol since Week 9, returned to practice last week, and logged limited sessions on Monday and Tuesday before a DNP on Wednesday and sitting out in Week 12.
Stroud’s potential return is still the most impactful for the Texans.
C.J. Stroud Must Gain Final Clearance
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos.
Ryans’ previous distinction is key for the Texans because, despite their practice status, Stroud and Pitre remain in concussion protocol.
“For the protocol, each guy has their own steps, or what they have to pass,” Ryans told reporters during his media availability before the Texans practiced on November 26. “It’s a lot of different steps, and each guy’s different when it comes to the symptoms that they’re having and what they’re feeling.
“Whatever they report that they’re feeling, we’re going to take that to heart and make sure we’re taking extra precaution with the guys whenever it’s a concussion issue. So right now, as we stand today, they’re still in concussion protocol.”
Players must pass the NFL’s five-phase plan before they can exit the concussion protocol.
With that, they must be cleared by an independent neurological consultant to return to game action.
Given the parameters set by the return-to-action plan and the NFL’s guidelines for practice participation designation, Stroud is at least in Phase 4 of the concussion protocol. The only question is due to Phase 5 involving full-contact, which quarterbacks do not take in practice.
Still, Stroud has been trending in the right direction and finally appears set to return in Week 13.
Nico Collins Excited for C.J. Stroud’s Return
GettyNico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Seattle Seahawks.
Stroud’s teammate and Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was among those who voiced his support for the QB during what is the second reported concussion of his career, echoing Ryans’ sentiments.
“I’m glad 7’s [Stroud’s jersey number] back. Get ready for Indy, big division game, and on the road from there,” Collins told Wilson during a charity event on November 21.
Collins echoed those sentiments on Wednesday.
“7 looked good, picking up where he left off. Going out there and just making the right reads, connecting. Just going out, being himself again. Just coming back from a concussion, it’s hard. You don’t wanna miss time. But you miss time, [you have to] kind of pick back up where you left off and stuff like that,” Collins said.
“He looked good out there, man. Just excited to get back. [I’m] excited that he’s back, and can’t wait to play this weekend.”
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