Texans may be without QB C.J. Stroud for second straight game

It is looking increasingly likely that the Houston Texans will have to rely on Case Keenum for a second straight week. 

Texans beat writer Aaron Wilson reported on Tuesday that starting quarterback C.J. Stroud is still dealing with concussion symptoms — including light sensitivity — and is unlikely to be removed from the concussion protocol in time for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.

He is not yet cleared to practice on Wednesday. 

Stroud was injured late in the Texans' loss to the New York Jets two weeks ago and did not play in Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans. 

Keenum, who moved ahead of Davis Mills on the team's depth chart, got the start against the Titans and completed 23-of-36 passes for 229 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the Texans' come-from-behind win. 

Houston enters the week in a three-way tie for the top spot in the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts. After finishing the 2022 season with the league's second-worst record they are one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season. The rapid development of Stroud is one of the biggest reasons for Houston's turnaround in 2023 as he has become the front-runner for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The Texans are dealing with major injuries at offense, including Stroud and top WR Tank Dell, but the defense has played extremely well and Keenum is a solid veteran that can play mistake-free football and win them some games.

They will need Stroud back if they are going to make the playoffs and make any sort of a run, but Keenum showed on Sunday that he can do what is needed in an individual game.