Texans Injury Report: QB C.J. Stroud Returns, Multiple Starters Out of Practice

C.J. Stroud was back in action for the first time in two weeks for the Houston Texans

There was a sense of joy Wednesday as the Houston Texans took the practice field in preparation for their home finale against the Tennessee Titans. 

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was back at practice. 

Stroud returned to the huddle for the first time since suffering a concussion in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets on Dec. 10. While he's been cleared to practice, the rookie passer is only in the fourth stage of the five-step concussion protocol. 

When asked about his status for Sunday's AFC South matchup, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said they would medically evaluate Stroud throughout the week before making a decision. 

"He still has one more phase [to clear]," said Ryans. 

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud  / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

During the open session for media members, Stroud was seen wearing his helmet and a red No. 7 practice jersey. He threw the ball around with veteran receiver Robert Woods before practice was closed off. 

“It was encouraging to see him,” Ryans said. “It lifts everybody’s spirits to see him back, doing well, and still progressing in the right direction. Happy about that.”

Stroud's return could do wonders for the franchise in its race to make the AFC Playoff. Case Keenum filled in well against Tennessee in Nashville earlier this month, but it's win-or-go-home for Houston moving into its final two games. 

Keenum threw for 229 yards and a touchdown against an interception in a 19-16 overtime win over the Titans at Nissan Stadium. In last week's 36-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Keenum struggled, completing 11-of-17 passes for 62 yards and two interceptions. 

Entering Sunday's showdown, the Texans (8-7) remain tied atop the AFC South standings alongside Indianapolis and Jacksonville. The Jaguars hold the tiebreaker in the division, but that could change over the final two weeks. 

Stroud, the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, had thrown for 3,631 yards and 20 touchdowns to five interceptions in 13 games. He was on pace to break the all-time rookie passing yard record set by Justin Herbert in 2020 (4,336) before leaving against the Jets in Week 14. 

"We need him. We miss him," said receiver Nico Collins. "Nobody wants to miss playing time with your brothers. But he knows what’s at stake right now. Health is everything."

While Stroud's health probably holds the most significant weight, the Texans were without defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins (ankle) and Maliek Collins (hip), defensive back Steven Nelson (hand), and defensive ends Jonathan Greenard (ankle) and Will Anderson Jr. (ankle). 

Greenard left during the first quarter of Sunday's loss to the Browns and did not return, making his status questionable heading into Week 17. Anderson, who has not played since Week 13's win over the Denver Broncos, could be cleared to return to practice on Thursday.

DeMeco Ryans Has Reason For Optimism in Will Anderson Jr. Return

"We'll see where Will is going," said Ryans. "He's made some strides. He's moving in the right direction. He's working out, so we'll see what he can tolerate as the week goes along. We're very hopeful to get Will back."

Anderson might still be a game away from returning, but Houston should see linebacker Blake Cashman back on the sidelines Sunday. Cashman, who did not play Sunday due to a hamstring injury, returned to practice in a limited capacity.