Persevering with to make progress in his restoration from a concussion, C.J. Stroud has taken one other necessary step ahead. The Texans quarterback has resumed working towards, an encouraging signal for his Week 17 availability.
As detailed by Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, Stroud is now within the fourth of 5 phases within the league’s concussion protocol. Because of this, he stays on observe to obtain clearance in time for Houston’s New 12 months’s Eve recreation towards the Titans. That’s the expected return date for the Offensive Rookie of the 12 months candidate, and such a improvement would do wonders for the Texans’ playoff push.
Stroud has missed the previous two video games, and Houston surprisingly turned to Case Keenum in his place. The latter helped lead the workforce to an time beyond regulation victory in his 2023 debut, however he struggled final week towards the Browns. Keenum was benched mid-game in favor of Davis Mills, who has spent a lot of the yr as Stroud’s backup. Having their starter again within the lineup would give a vital increase to the Texans’ offense, a unit which has typically impressed in 2023.
The No. 2 choose has posted 3,631 passing yards whereas posting a 20:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his rookie yr. Stroud has added 143 yards and one other three scores on the bottom, a part of his total capacity to information a transitioning Texans workforce towards an surprising playoff berth. Sitting at 8-7, Houston nonetheless has an opportunity to win the AFC South or safe a wild-card spot.
Having a wholesome Stroud in place could be a signficant improvement contemplating the variety of backup quarterbacks in place all through the AFC playoff image. The Ohio State product nonetheless has work to do to clear the ultimate stage of the protocol, so his continued enchancment over the approaching days can be a narrative to observe intently. As was the case over the weekend, although, indicators level to an important late-season return.