Texans HC Demeco Ryans confirms CJ Stroud is in concussion protocol

Houston Texans (7-6) head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed Monday that quarterback CJ Stroud is in concussion protocol.

His status for this Sunday’s Week 15 road contest against the Tennessee Titans (4-8) is in doubt.

“We’ll see how he progresses,” Ryans said, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. “Not many guys have returned the following week from a concussion. It’s more about the long-term health than the excitement of the game. We care about their long-term health.”

Stroud left this past Sunday’s 30-6 Week 14 defeat to the New York Jets (5-8) after taking a brutal hit in the fourth quarter. He entered concussion protocol after being driven to the ground by Jets defensive lineman Quinnen WIlliams. Stroud struggled mightily before his exit, completing 10-of-23 passes for 91 yards while being sacked four times. He did not throw a touchdown or interception.

“On the hit with CJ, we have to block it better,” Ryans said after the game. “We can’t allow them to get back to our quarterback. We have to block it better up front.”

The hit in which Stroud suffered the concussion appeared to be late, but did not result in a penalty. Williams took to X after the game to wish Stroud well.

“I pray CJ is ok, everyone know I’m not a dirty player or trying to hurt a great, Elite QB like him or any player in the league. I play hard and I play fair,” Williams wrote. “Again I pray CJ is ok and wish him nothing but the best.”

Davis Mills next in line if CJ Stroud is out vs. Titans

Stroud, the second overall pick out of Ohio State, is the frontrunner for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Through 13 games this season, he’s thrown for a league-best 3,631 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions on 62.4% passing.

Should Stroud miss any time, it’ll be third-year quarterback Davis Mills under center. Mills replaced Stroud and went 1-of-5 for 4 yards. Mills has 26 career starts (5-20-1 record) under his belt, throwing for 5,802 yards, 33 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.

“Super tough. I love that man,” Mills said of Stroud, via DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. “He’s been battling week in and week out for this team, and obviously, it’s tough seeing him go down.”