Texans 'Optimistic' C.J. Stroud Could Return in Week 17 vs. Titans
HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Texans will be without their star rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud for their critical AFC showdown with the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium on Sunday, as he remains out with a concussion he suffered in Week 14 vs. the New York Jets.
However, according to reports from ESPN, Stroud has made progress in the later stages of this week, and there is optimism that he could finally be back in the lineup for the team's AFC South matchup with the Tennessee Titans next week.
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In place of Stroud this week vs. the Browns their No. 1 ranked defense will be Case Keenum, who is making his second-straight start in place of the rookie.
Stroud has thrown for 3,631 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions across 13 games this season, cementing himself as the top rookie passer from his class.
Last week vs. the Titans, Keenum led the Texans to a narrow 19-16 win in overtime, thanks in large part to a stellar effort from the defense.
Fortunately for Keenum, he will be getting back the Texans No. 1 receiver Nico Collins, who had been out with a calf injury since the Week 14 loss to the Jets.
Both Cleveland and Houston are jostling for playoff positioning in an AFC Wild Card race that features seven teams within their respective divisions.
Without Stroud, who has exceeded all expectations as a rookie, advancing to 9-6 becomes significantly more difficult.
