The Houston Texans won in Week 15 with star rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud sidelined and will likely have to do the same in Week 16.
Stroud left Houston’s Week 14 loss against the New York Jets early with a concussion. He was not cleared to play in the team’s next game, a come-from-behind victory over the Tennessee Titans. Now, all signs point to Stroud being unavailable for the Week 16 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Aaron Wilson of KPRC, Houston’s NBC affiliate, reported on Tuesday “Stroud is dealing with sensitivity to light and other common concussion symptoms, per sources. He is not medically cleared to practice Wednesday.”
Wilson added that Stroud is “expected to miss another game,” with Case Keenum starting in his place.
DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN had a similar report. “‘He should miss another game,’ one source said Tuesday, adding that the Texans will continue to monitor Stroud’s progress before making a final decision.”
Football fans were upset to hear the update on Stroud but also understanding of it.
Real bummer, but the long term health of Stroud is paramount. https://t.co/KyP8npsWDs
— Patrick Storm (@PatrickStormHTX) December 20, 2023
Dang man. I hope he gets better 🥺 https://t.co/qtQhlr3tLg
— Figgy Fig (@TheFiggyFig) December 20, 2023
Why can’t we have nice things? https://t.co/rSYzQFArTO
— Michael Connor (@ConnorMichael) December 20, 2023
A Case Keenum-Joe Flacco Week 16 showdown having massive playoff implications sums up 2023 pretty well
Battle of QBs the Broncos paid way too much money https://t.co/VGAuXXdGCf
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@SpielbergerBrad) December 20, 2023
Another wrinkle to what's already a fascinating finish to the end of the regular season for the AFC South https://t.co/CroJ04lUqO
— Ben Arthur 🇬🇭 (@benyarthur) December 20, 2023
Sunday’s game is important for both teams and figures to have significant implications on the AFC playoff race.
The Browns are 9-5 and while they have a chance to win the AFC North, will most likely be fighting for a Wild Card spot. Heading into Week 16, Cleveland is in the No. 5 spot in the AFC playoff race as the conference’s top Wild Card team. Sitting right behind the Browns are the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Texans and Buffalo Bills, who all sit at 8-6.
In addition to vying for a Wild Card spot, Houston is in a battle for the AFC South title. The Texans are currently tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Colts. Even though tiebreakers place Houston behind both teams, there’s a definite possibility for a division title.
Stroud has had a stellar rookie season for the Texans. The rookie quarterback has completed 62.4% of his passes for 3,631 yards with 20 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 98.7 passer rating. He’s also picked up 143 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
