The Houston Texans have received some very positive news regarding their first round draft pick from last year. After a disappointing loss in their latest game, a potential return could really provide a spark for his teammates, as they battle for the number one spot in a highly contested AFC South.
Houston Texans Latest Update
Currently in the concussion protocol, Ian Rapoport shared on social media that CJ Stroud is slated to participate in practice today, a very positive step forward in his possible return.
As the NFL had faced a lot of scrutiny over how concussion concerns were handled in the past, the league has since established set of guidelines and rules, before allowing players to return. Having been a part of team meetings last week, fellow teammates were excited and hopeful of the prospect of is possible return against the Tennessee Titans.
With his ability to handle noise and light, his prior sensitivity from his head injury appears to have lessened enough for the Houston Texans to feel comfortable enough for him to participate in team activities again.
Houston Texans Play This Season
If he is able to play this week against the Tennessee Titans, this would be his first return to action since playing against the New York Jets in week 14. CJ Stroud left toward the end of the game in the fourth quarter. After suffering a hit from New York Jets Quinnen Williams, the Houston Texans quarterback appeared to have his head bounce off of the field, and was unable to continue.
Until then, CJ Stroud was seen as the heavy Rookie Offensive Player Of The Year. With a possible strong campaign to end the season, it is all but certain that he would win the award. To date he has over 3,600 yards passing, and a 20 to 5, touchdown to interception ratio as a rookie.
Houston Texans Head Coach On CJ Stroud
Even before the injury, head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed nothing but support for his rookie signal caller. CJ Stroud is the clear future for this Houston Texans franchise.
Even after a three interception performance, his faith in CJ Stroud remained unwavering. At the time he had the following to say about his quarterback, and indicates how much trust they have in his abilities, when he is able to play again:
The only way you continue to get better. You learn from your mistakes, and you continue to attack it. That’s how I want CJ to approach the game. I want him to approach the game with an ‘attack first’ mindset, and we’re not going to hold back just because he made mistakes.
Coming out of Ohio State, there were questions, as Buckeye signal callers have not had successful runs of success in the NFL as of late. But just as the quote from then indicates, he is outperforming any initial expectations when they drafted him number two overall earlier this year.
For complaints of other quarterbacks not having enough support or enough weapons, CJ Stroud is showing how much a difference maker at the position can elevate a franchise on the field.
While teetering on the verge of having a wild card spot, the most forward path to the playoffs would involve winning the AFC South. Needing a win against the Tennessee Titans, the Houston Texans will also need to beat the Indianapolis Colts for their final game of the year as well.
With the Jacksonville Jaguars holding the tiebreaker over the Texans and Colts currently, some help is needed for the top seed in the division to guarantee a playoff spot.