Injury-Riddled Houston Texans Defeat Tennessee Titans in Overtime

Despite the loss of several keep players, the Houston Texans will try to keep their playoff hopes alive Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

The injury-riddled Houston Texans will try to keep their postseason hopes alive during their Week 15 contest against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.

Houston fell flat against the New York Jets in a 30-6 road defeat. The Texans' playoff hopes took a major hit, but their chances got worse when quarterback C.J. Stroud hit the turf of MetLife Stadium and exited with a concussion.

Stroud remained in concussion protocol the entire week of practice and will miss his first career game. Veteran quarterback Case Keenum will start against the Titans, receiving the nod over Davis Mills.

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.

“For me, with the players that we have injured, it hasn’t affected what we do one bit," coach DeMeco 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."

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks up during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium / © Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

WHAT: Houston Texans (7-6) vs. Tennessee Titans (5-8)

WHERE: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN (69,143)

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, 12 p.m. (CT)

TELEVISION: CBS

RADIO: SportsRadio 610 AM, 100.3 FM The Bull

ODDS: Texans +3.5 (-125), +135 Moneyline, Total: 36.5 (o -125,u +100)

Live game updates will appear here after kickoff.

1st Quarter: 

The first offensive drives of the game ended with a three-and-out for the Texans. 

Punt

The Texans were able to score first following a one-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Will Levis. It was an 11-play drive where the Texans recorded 83 yards. The most damaging play for the Texans came on 3rd-and-10 when Houston gave up a 33-yard reception from Levis to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

Titans 6, Texans 0

It was another empty possession for the Texans despite picking up their first first down of the game.

Punt

The Titans recorded 32 yards in six plays.

Punt

End of 1st

2nd Quarter:

The Texans got a much-needed reception when Keenum connected with wide receiver Noah Brown for 20 yards. However, a few plays later, Keenum's pass attempt to running back Dare Ogunbowale led to Houston's first pick-six of the season, recorded by safety Elijah Molden.

Titans 13, Texans 0

Keenum is starting to build chemistry with Brown, as the two connected for 22 yards on 3rd-and-12. However, with 37 yards in eight plays, it was another inefficient drive for Houston.

Punt

The Texans had their best defensive drive by holding the Titans to nine yards in seven plays. Defensive lineman Khalil Davis came up huge on 3rd-and-seven with a nine-yard sack on Levis. 

Punt

The Texans had their best offensive drive of the first half. They recorded 57 yards in 14 plays, which ended with Ka'imi Fairbairn nailing a 23-yard field goal. The most significant change for Houston was the production of running back Devin Singletary, who rushed for 40 yards during the series.

Titans 13, Texans 3

Halftime

3rd quarter

The Titans began the second half with the ball. Tennessee started to find momentum until cornerback Steven Nelson recorded a pick to end the Titans' drive. Levis' target was former Texan DeAndre Hopkins. 

Turnover Titans

The Texans capitalized on Nelson's interception by connecting on a 27-yard field goal. Houston recorded 51 yards in 10 plays. Singletary accounted for 20 yards on the ground.

Titans 13, Texans 6

Another excellent defensive stop for the Texans. Safety Jalen Pitre had one of his best plays of the season after being beaten by Hopkins for a 42-yard gain. However, Pitre forced an incomplete catch by hitting the ball out of Hopkins' possession on the way down. The drive ended with Levis getting sacked for a loss of 10 yards.

Punt

The Texans were able to bring Houston within four points following a 53-yard field gold made by Fairbairn. 

Titans 13, Texans 9

Three-and-out for the Titans. 

End of 3rd

4th Quarter

Outside of an 11-yard run by Singletary, the Texans could not get anything going on their latest offensive drive. 

Punt

After five consecutive scoreless drives, the Titans were able to add to their lead with a 45-yard field goal made by kicker Tyjae Spears.

Titans 16, Texans 9

The Texans were able to tie the game at 16 following Keenum's touchdown pass to Brown. Tight end Dalton Schultz may have saved the season with a phenomenal catch that prevented an interception.

Titans 16, Texans 16

Houston's defense came up huge and has given the Texans a chance to win the game. The defense held the Titans to 18 yards in eight plays. 

Punt

Costly inefficient drive for the Texans. 

Punt

Three-and-out for the Titans. 

Punt

No gain for the Texans. 

End of regulation

Overtime

The Texans nearly held the Titans to a three-and-out until Chris Moore recorded a 23-yard catch. However, the Texans were able to get three consecutive stops.

Punt

Three and out for the Texans with a pair of sacks on Keenum.

Punt

Five yards in six plays for the Titans. Levis hurt on the final play of that drive.

Punt

The drive began with Keenum finding Singletary for a 41-yard gain. He would have recorded a game-winning walk-off, but a holding call was made by wide receiver John Metchie III. A few plays later, Fairbairn drilled a 54-yard field goal.

Texans 19, Titans 16

End of Game