CJ Stroud doing ‘better’ despite missing practice

Houston Texans (7-6) quarterback CJ Stroud remained a non-participant at practice Wednesday, three days removed from suffering a concussion in the 30-6 Week 14 defeat to the New York Jets (5-8).

Stroud is still in concussion protocol, meaning his status for the Week 15 road contest against the Tennessee Titans (4-8) is uncertain. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said that Stroud’s condition is improving, however.

“He’s getting a little bit better, and we’ll see how the week continues to go,” Ryans said, via the team’s website. “But he’s still in the concussion protocol.”

Stroud left the game against the Jets after taking a brutal hit in the fourth quarter. He entered concussion protocol after Jets defensive lineman Quinnen WIlliams drove him to the ground. Stroud struggled mightily before his exit, completing 10-of-23 passes for 91 yards while being sacked four times. He did not throw a touchdown or interception.

“On the hit with CJ, we have to block it better,” Ryans said after the game. “We can’t allow them to get back to our quarterback. We have to block it better up front.”

Not many players have returned from a concussion the week after being diagnosed. New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is the exception, playing this past Sunday after being cleared Friday — five days after his original diagnosis.

Davis Mills in line to start in place of CJ Stroud

Stroud, the second overall pick out of Ohio State, is the frontrunner for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Through 13 games this season, he has thrown for a league-best 3,631 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions on 62.4% passing.

Should Stroud miss any time, it’ll be third-year quarterback Davis Mills under center. Mills replaced Stroud and went 1-of-5 for 4 yards. Mills has 26 career starts (5-20-1 record) under his belt, throwing for 5,802 yards, 33 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.

“We’ve felt we’ve had a really strong quarterback group since training camp,” Ryans said. “We feel really good about all three guys that we’ve had. And in this league, you never know what happens at the position. It’s comforting to have three guys who can go out and play and you don’t miss a beat.”