C.J. Stroud on track to start Sunday's game vs. Titans

Houston Texans rookie C.J. Stroud is on track to start this weekend’s game against the Tennessee Titans after clearing concussion protocol on Thursday, the team announced. The quarterback hasn’t played in two weeks after hitting his head on the turf in the game against the Jets. Though head coach DeMeco Ryans hasn’t officially announced Stroud as the starter, clearing the concussion protocol is one of the last hurdles to getting him back on the field.

“Encouraging to have C.J. back out at practice today,” Ryans said Wednesday. “It was encouraging to see him. I think it just lifts everybody’s spirits to see him back doing well and still progressing in the right direction. So, happy about that.”

The Texans are in a three-way tie for the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts. All three teams lost in Week 16. Now, for Week 17, the Texans face the Titans while the Jaguars host the Carolina Panthers. The Colts have a home game against the Raiders this weekend before hosting the Texans for Week 18.

Stroud ready for return to play

C.J. Stroud practiced in limited fashion for the Texans on Wednesday. He made his return to the team last Friday before the game against the Browns, but didn’t clear concussion protocol in time to play. Houston started Case Keenum before switching the backup out for third-stringer Davis Mills.

On the year, Stroud is completing passes at a 62.4% rate. He has 3,631 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, five interceptions, and an additional three rushing touchdowns. Prior to the injury, he was making a case for the league’s Rookie of the Year award.

Houston kicks off against Tennessee at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. If they get Stroud back and win the final two games of the season, the Texans can make the playoffs via the AFC’s Wild Card spot. After ranking in the top 10 in the league in points per game with the rookie quarterback, the Texans are scoring just 17.5 points per game without him.