When Will Texans' QB C.J. Stroud Return From Concussion?

C.J. Stroud - SIC score 22

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud will reportedly miss a second straight week while in concussion protocol. 

Stroud experienced light sensitivity as recently as Tuesday, causing the Texans to approach the situation with caution. He did not practice on Wednesday and will not retake the field until he is symptom free.

By our internal data of concussion clearance rates, he has a 22% chance to return in Week 17. This season, 22.2% of players have cleared concussion protocol without missing a game. Roughly 72% of players have cleared to play within the first 2 weeks and 94% clear to return within the first 3 weeks. 

A smaller group, 4%, have missed 3 games or more. That group includes Hayden Hurst, who is out for the regular season after suffering a concussion in Week 10.

The rookie QB hit the back of his head hard on the turf in Week 14 causing him to leave the game and be placed in concussion protocol.

The week prior he was checked for a concussion, but returned to the game. The general rule for concussion clearance is to be symptom-free for a full week.

This is CJ Stroud‘s first documented concussion, which typically helps with a quicker recovery although no two concussions are the same.

In general, if his symptoms don’t improve by Week 17 he may miss the rest of the year depending on the Texans playoff standings.

Quarterbacks who have cleared concussion protocol without missing a game include Brock Purdy and Derek Carr, who has done it twice this season. Quarterbacks who have missed one game and returned include Anthony Richardson, Jaron Hall and Jimmy Garoppolo. 

Case Keenum will serve as a starter for a second Street week. He finished with 229 yards a touchdown and an interception in last weeks win over the titans. He faces a Browns defense that could be without both starting safeties for a second straight week. 

The good news for Keenum is he will likely have a Nico Collins back on the field in some capacity. Collins missed last week after reaggravating a calf injury in Week 14. 

Promising rookie wideout Tank Dell is out for the season after suffering a fractured ankle in Week 13.