Houston Texans Injury Report: C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Active, Jonathan Greenard OUT

Houston Texans rookie Will Anderson Jr. is set to return to the starting lineup for the first time in three weeks.

The Houston Texans are gaining back two game-changers on both sides of the ball. 

Quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. are active for the first time since Week 14. Stroud cleared concussion protocol on Wednesday and returned to practice at full capacity Thursday. Anderson returned to practice on Friday after missing three games with an ankle injury. 

The Texans need a spark heading into their Week 17 matchup against the Tennessee Titans after going 1-1 with Case Keenum. Stroud, who led the NFL in passing yards (3,631) prior to leaving against the New York Jets, had the offense averaging 26.3 points per game. 

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud  / USA Today

Keenum, who secured a 19-16 overtime win against the Titans at Nissan Stadium, struggled mightily against the Cleveland Browns, throwing for 62 yards and two interceptions in a 36-22 loss. Davis Mills filled in the fourth quarter and threw two touchdowns. 

Stroud is currently the betting favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Anderson, who had 5.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss before the injury, reamins in the running to take home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. 

While the Texans gain back Anderson off the edge, they will be without star pass rusher Jonathan Greenard, who suffered an ankle injury in last week's loss to the Browns. Greenard, who leads Houston in sacks (12.5) did not practice last week. 

Also ruled out were defensive lineman Maliek Collins (hip), fullback Andrew Beck (calf), offensive tackle Josh Jones and Keenum. Collins did not practice last week, while Beck was limited on Thursday and Friday. 

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Cornerback Steven Nelson, who was listed as questionable with a foot/hand injury, will start opposite Derek Stingley Jr. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, who returned to practice Thursday after suffering an ankle injury, is active and expected to play. 

Houston (8-7) remains tied atop the AFC South standings with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts. With a victory, the Texans stay alive in the AFC playoff picture for both the division title and a wild card berth. 

Currently, the Texans are the No. 8 seed in the AFC standings.