Texans 'Optimistic' C.J. Stroud Could Return in Week 17 vs. Titans

C.J. Stroud won't be in the lineup for the Houston Texans in their critical matchup vs. the Cleveland Browns on Sunday but is reportedly making progress.

Matt Galatzan | Dec 24, 2023

In this story:

Houston Texans

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Texans will be without their star rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud for their critical AFC showdown with the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium on Sunday, as he remains out with a concussion he suffered in Week 14 vs. the New York Jets.

However, according to reports from ESPN, Stroud has made progress in the later stages of this week, and there is optimism that he could finally be back in the lineup for the team's AFC South matchup with the Tennessee Titans next week.

In place of Stroud this week vs. the Browns their No. 1 ranked defense will be Case Keenum, who is making his second-straight start in place of the rookie.

Stroud has thrown for 3,631 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions across 13 games this season, cementing himself as the top rookie passer from his class.

Last week vs. the Titans, Keenum led the Texans to a narrow 19-16 win in overtime, thanks in large part to a stellar effort from the defense.

Texans Get Good News On WR Nico Collins

Fortunately for Keenum, he will be getting back the Texans No. 1 receiver Nico Collins, who had been out with a calf injury since the Week 14 loss to the Jets.

Both Cleveland and Houston are jostling for playoff positioning in an AFC Wild Card race that features seven teams within their respective divisions.

Without Stroud, who has exceeded all expectations as a rookie, advancing to 9-6 becomes significantly more difficult.

Published Dec 24, 2023

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan the Editor-In-Chief of TexansDaily.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels. For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com