Houston Texans Officially Rule QB C.J. Stroud Out, Will Start Case Keenum

The Houston Texans officially announced that rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is out against the Tennessee Titans.

The Houston Texans will officially be without rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud during their Week 15 contest against the Tennessee Titans, the team announced Saturday afternoon. Stroud, and right tackle George Fant, did not travel with the team to Tennessee. Fant will miss his first game of the season due to a knee injury.

Stroud remains in concussion protocol after taking a hard hit by defensive lineman Quinnen Williams during their 30-6 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday. 

Davis Mills replaced Stroud during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. But amid his absence at Nissan Stadium, the Texans will start veteran quarterback Case Keenum against the Titans, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC. 

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud throws the ball during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium / © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Coach DeMeco Ryans announced on Wednesday that Stroud was "getting a little bit better.” And following Friday's practice, Ryans revealed that Stroud started watching game film and is slowly "getting back to normal." 

"It’s all about the health of C.J.," Ryans said. "The game is the last thing; It’s how healthy is C.J.? And that’s the only thing that matters. We’re not concerned about, ‘Is he going in this game or not?’ It’s not about the game. How is C.J. doing? That’s how we approach everything when it comes to the health of our players." 

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Stroud is one of a handful of key players the Texans will not have against the Titans on Sunday afternoon. Will Anderson Jr. (ankle), Blake Cashman (hamstring), Nico Collins (calf), and Tavierre Thomas (hamstring) are all out.

The Texans also added cornerback Steven Nelson as a late addition to the team's injury report. He is now questionable due to a wrist injury.

“For me, with the players that we have injured, it hasn’t affected what we do one bit," Ryans said. "I truly – I never make excuses about it because I truly believe injuries happen to every team. We’ve had a few – probably a few more than others – it doesn’t matter. We line up on Sunday with whoever we have, and everybody go out and play your best."