C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans on the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills.
The Houston Texans will play their third straight game without quarterback C.J. Stroud, taking on the Buffalo Bills on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 12. However, as head coach DeMeco Ryans and earlier reports suggested, Stroud was very close to returning this week.
That news comes despite Ryans ruling him out on the first day of practice in back-to-back weeks, but also after Stroud returned to practice this past Tuesday.
If nothing else, the news should provide the Texans an additional lift against the Bills.
C.J. Stroud Expected to Return For Texans at Colts in Week 13
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after defeating the Baltimore Ravens.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport roughly one hour before kickoff, his “understanding” was that Stroud was “very close” to playing for the Texans against the Bills in Week 12.
“In fact, had the game been on Sunday instead of Thursday, C.J. Stroud likely would have played. He’s doing well. He is expected to be on the sidelines tonight. Just not enough time to be cleared for this one,” Rapoport told Charissa Thompson on “TNF Prime” on November 20.
“He was cleared for limited participation on Tuesday, likely would have been a full participant if there was practice, ahead of a game, today. Then, would need to be cleared by the independent neurologist. I’m told the expectation, if things go this way, is for him to play November 30th against the Colts.”
Rapoport noted that instead of Stroud, Davis Mills will look to go 3-0 in his place this season.
Stroud’s practice on November 18 was his first since Friday, October 31, due to the concussion that he suffered in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos.
Reports Set Expectation for C.J. Stroud’s Imminent Return
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans reacts after defeating the San Francisco 49ers.
Rapoport’s report is a bow on previous word that Stroud was indeed nearing his return and would have gone this week if the game were played on Sunday.
ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime reported as much on November 18. Moreover, KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported that same day that Stroud’s symptoms – which have included light sensitivity and headaches – had subsided.
Ryans said Stroud and safety Jalen Pitre were doing better, only to be done in by the timing.
“Right now, with the short turnaround game on Thursday, just don’t have enough days for those guys to be available,” Ryans told reporters during his media availability on November 18.
“It’s really encouraging just to see both guys out being able to practice and go through those things. So, it is encouraging to see that they are making those steps to get themselves back healthy.”
C.J. Stroud’s Mom Expressed Gratitude Amid Outpouring of Support
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans on the field after defeating the Tennessee Titans.
This is the second concussion of Stroud’s career with the Texans. He missed two games as a rookie. Stroud’s mother, Kimberly, offered the initial update after Stroud suffered the injury, that he was “ok” and thanked everyone for their prayers.
She later expressed tremendous gratitude for the slew of well-wishes toward her son.
“I just want to thank everyone for their prayers,” Stroud’s mother told reporters in attendance at a charity event for The C.J. Stroud Foundation on November 7. The outpour of love for my son has just been amazing. It really made me know that people do see him beyond the field. Sometimes you really just don’t know until something does happen.
“There was so many people that wrote into the foundation and said just so many powerful words. And I just want to thank everyone, and he is progressing day by day. Of course, he wants to play, so. But he’s doing better each day. So, thank you for your prayers.”