Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is unlikely to play in Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns as he continues to recover from a concussion, according to ESPN’s D.J. Bien-Aime.
Stroud entered the concussion protocol after he left Week 14 against the New York Jets with a hit to the head. He remained in the protocol throughout this past week and did not travel with the team to Nashville to play the Tennessee Titans. He is still in the protocol, and is reportedly dealing with concussion-like symptoms such as sensitivity to light, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Veteran Case Keenum started in Stroud’s place in Week 15 and led the Texans to an overtime win over the Titans. Keenum completed 23-of-36 passing attempts for 229 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He would reportedly start again if Stroud missed the game. Houston also reportedly signed former New York Jets quarterback Tim Boyle to the practice squad – another sign Stroud likely wouldn’t be ready to play.
A win in Week 16 would give the Texans a better shot to make the postseason. Despite an 8-6 record, Houston sits just outside the seven-team field because the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals hold tiebreakers over the Texans.
