One day after Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud suffered a confirmed concussion on a late hit from New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, coach DeMeco Ryans emphasized the team will operate in a manner that’s based on his long-term health.
Until Stroud passes a series of mandatory NFL tests, including a baseline neurological exam, he won’t be cleared to play.
The Pro Bowl candidate and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner was in visible pain and groggy after his helmet was slammed to the ground. Stroud was helped off the field by trainers and went to the locker room as he was placed under the NFL concussion protocol and replaced by backup quarterback Davis Mills.
Mills is preparing to start Sunday’s road game against the Tennessee Titans if Stroud is unavailable.
Under NFL concussion protocol, to return to play, there are five phases of participation: Phase 1 (symptom limited activity); Phase 2 (aerobic exercise), Phase 3 (football-specific exercise); Phase 4 (club-based non-contact training drills); Phase 5 (full football activity-clearance).
“I don’t think many guys have come back the following week after a concussion,” Ryans said. “You have to make sure, at the end of the day, no matter the position, no matter who the guy is, you have to make sure your guys are healthy and we are protecting guys and they’re right.
“When it comes to the concussion and the head injuries, we have to make sure we’re protecting all of our guys. It’s more about their long-term health, as opposed to everybody gets excited about the next game and the next opportunity. We care about these guys as men off the field and making sure their health is the utmost importance to us.”
A two-time Heisman Trophy finalist from Ohio State drafted second overall, Stroud passed for a season-low 91 yards in the 30-6 loss to the Jets. He had no touchdown passes and no interceptions.
Other quarterbacks have been cleared this season after sustaining a concussion including New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
“We’ll see how he goes throughout the week and hopefully he continues to feel better,” Ryans said of Stroud.
A former third-round draft pick from Stanford once ranked the top quarterback recruit in the nation, Mills has passed for 33 touchdowns and 25 interceptions and is 5-19-1 as a starter. He was 1 for 5 against the Jets.
“He’s done a good job for us,” Ryans said. “The reps that he’s gotten on the scout team and everything, he’s done a good job. Demeanor has been the same. He’s done what we’ve been asked to do.”
Losing Stroud represents a significant blow to the Texans’ playoff hopes. Stroud entered Sunday’s game as the NFL passing yardage leader with 3,504 yards along with 20 touchdown passes and five interceptions, reviving a losing franchise into a contender.
“I was just telling somebody, he’s really like the light of our team,” Texans tight end Brevin Jordan said. “He’s a guy that’s came in here, brought a lot of moxy, a lot of swag, and to see him go down it’s tough. But it’s football, get ready to get back to it, next man got to be up, got to be ready to go.”
Williams hit Stroud with a lot of force, arriving late in the pocket as the second overall pick in the draft and two-time Heisman Trophy finalist from Ohio State delivered a pass.
Stroud passed for a season-low 91 yards as the Texans’ offense skidded to an abrupt halt without injured wide receivers Nico Collins, Tank Dell and tight end Dalton Schultz. His status for Sunday’s road game against the Tennessee Titans is now in doubt.
The hit was late, but didn’t draw a flag. Following the game, Williams, one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL, made it clear on social media he had no ill intent against Stroud.
“I pray CJ is ok, everyone know I’m not a dirty player or trying to hurt a great, Elite QB like him or any player in the league,” Williams wrote. “I play hard and I play fair. Again I pray CJ is ok and wish him nothing but the best.”
Stroud’s injury immediately drew concern from teammates, who knelt in prayer beside him.
Stroud was on the ground for a while in the fourth quarter before steadying as he was helped to his feet and jogging off the field. He went inside the blue medical tent before going to the locker room for further evaluation. Then, the Texans announced he was being evaluated for a concussion.
Stroud was sacked four times and hit six times overall. He was under heavy duress Sunday. He was under pressure on 40 percent of his dropbacks, according to NextGen Stats. It was a rough day all-around for the Texans’ offense against an excellent Jets defense as Stroud completed just 10 of 23 passes.
“On the hit with C.J., we’ve got to block it better,” Ryans said. “We can’t allow them to get to our quarterback. We’ve got to block it better up front.”
When Stroud was replaced by Mills, the former starter completed 1 of 5 passes for four yards. He went 1 for 1 for 18 yards against the Denver Broncos when Stroud was evaluated for a concussion and quickly cleared.
The Texans had only 135 yards of total offense. Without Stroud, the Texans’ entire team felt the impact of his absence.
“Super tough,” Mills said. “I love that man. Obviously, it’s tough seeing him go down. I know the team felt that. The team wants to go out there and play for him. I’ve just got to step in and make sure there’s no drop off when I come in and play, like I tried to do at the end of this game. It’s just a tough day
“Of course, nothing changes in my terms of preparation. Going into the offense, even as the No. 2 this year, I’ve been preparing every week like I’m going into the game to start. So, I don’t think there should be any change in preparation. Hopefully, C.J. is going to be great and will bounce back from this. Regardless of what happens, I’ll be ready
The Texans’ only score was on a Devin Singletary touchdown run. Then, practice squad kicker Matt Ammendola missed the extra point.
The prospect of playing without Stroud, even for a week, is a lot for the Texans to absorb
“Man, a lot,” Singletary said when asked about the impact of losing Stroud. “That’s our guy. That’s our leader. We’re all rallying behind him. Now, we’ve just got to be there for him. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious and we get him back soon.
The Texans have leaned heavily on Stroud during their resurgent season. He has led a pair of game-winning scoring drives and played a large part in boosting their relevance.
Texans wide receiver Robert Woods spoke briefly with Stroud after the game to check on him.
“I didn’t see the hit, just saw him on the ground,” Woods said. “Very instrumental to our offense being able to have an explosive passing game. It’s tough when we lose 7, but hopefully it’s not too serious. Davis is a great quarterback, able to make all the throws.
“First things first, it’s always prayers up that it’s nothing serious, but it’s always tough when you have a player go down, especially a quarterback, a leader of this offense, but we’ll see what it is. But, full confidence in Davis, if needed.”
Aaron Wilson is a contributor to Sports Talk 790.