Texans Sign New 'Emergency' QB as C.J. Stroud Concussion Lingers

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud's availability remains in question for Week 16, prompting the team to sign veteran quarterback Tim Boyle to the practice squad.

The Houston Texans survived Week 15 in Nashville, defeating the Tennessee Titans 19-16 to keep their playoff hopes alive. They did so without quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was out with a concussion, along with a host of other key contributors.

On Tuesday, the Houston faithful learned that Stroud was still dealing with symptoms and had not graduated from the NFL’s concussion protocol.

As a result, the Texans added to their depth, signing veteran quarterback Tim Boyle to the practice squad.

New York Jets quarterback Tim Boyle (7) looks to pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The move is merely for extra depth at the back end of the quarterback room. Season-long third-string quarterback Case Keenum was chosen to start against Tennessee due to his big-game experience. He did enough to win, completing 23 of 36 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.

However, without Stroud out and Keenum with the starters, a body was needed. Boyle fits the bill. He’s a career backup with experience behind New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who he followed from Green Bay.

When he got the chance to play this season, it wasn’t pretty. He threw for just 360 yards on 77 attempts, tossing a touchdown and four interceptions. The Jets did not win a game that he appeared in this season.

He won’t be expected to suit up on Sunday when Houston (8-6) hosts the Cleveland Browns (9-5). Cleveland will also be without its starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, and has since turned to veteran Joe Flacco after backup options Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker struggled to keep the offense afloat.

Injuries Deny Texans 'Past vs. Future' Matchup vs. Browns

Stroud is yet to be ruled out, but adding Boyle is a sign that the Texans may be without their rookie phenom for a second consecutive week, creating an even more arduous path to the AFC playoffs.

Week 16’s pivotal contest will kick off at noon on Sunday, Dec. 24 on CBS.