C.J. Stroud clears concussion protocol, expected to start vs Titans

The Houston Texans have been anxiously awaiting the return of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud after two weeks of concussion protocol. Stroud finally spoke to the media on Thursday after clearing concussion protocol earlier in the day.

“I feel great,” the former Buckeye told reporters. “I feel really good. Feel back to myself, which was the biggest thing.”

Stroud is now on track to start this weekend’s game against the Tennessee Titans. The quarterback hasn’t played in two weeks after hitting his head on the turf in the game against the Jets.

“He’s looked the same way he’s always looked,” Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said. “There’s really been no difference in that regard. He’s doing a great job just progressing through the stages he’s at. He’s on track and we’ll see where he’s at on Sunday.”

Clearing the concussion protocol this week was one of the last hurdles to getting him back on the field. While he was out, the QB had to manage his emotions as he watched his squad fall to the Browns.

“I didn’t try to get too up, too down. I was trying to be supportive of my teammates,” Stroud said. “Texting them throughout the week, and I was keeping up with the game plans and stuff. It was tough to watch because, of course, I wanted to play, but at the end of the day there was nothing I could do, so I wasn’t going to try to control something I couldn’t control and just get mad. So, I just tried to stay calm.”

The Texans are in a three-way tie for the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts. All three teams lost in Week 16. Now, for Week 17, the Texans face the Titans while the Jaguars host the Carolina Panthers. The Colts have a home game against the Raiders this weekend before hosting the Texans for Week 18.

Stroud ready for return to play

C.J. Stroud practiced in limited fashion for the Texans on Wednesday. He made his return to the team last Friday before the game against the Browns, but didn’t clear concussion protocol in time to play. Houston started Case Keenum before switching the backup out for third-stringer Davis Mills.

On the year, Stroud is completing passes at a 62.4% rate. He has 3,631 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, five interceptions, and an additional three rushing touchdowns. Prior to the injury, he was making a case for the league’s Rookie of the Year award. The long recovery process potentially took him out of the running for the award but Stroud knows some things can’t be rushed.

“The thing about concussions that I have learned is that it’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all,’ whatever the situation is,” Stroud said. “For me it was a little different than others. It was just unique to what I went through on the field.

“The training staff did a great job of just making sure that I was okay and wasn’t forcing it and trying to come back too fast. I appreciate them for just being honest throughout the whole process and everything. Yeah, it was tough, but we’re through it now, and I’m excited to play.”

Houston kicks off against Tennessee at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. If they get Stroud back and win the final two games of the season, the Texans can make the playoffs via the AFC’s Wild Card spot. After ranking in the top 10 in the league in points per game with the rookie quarterback, the Texans are scoring just 17.5 points per game without him.