Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud leaves game as Texans fall to Broncos, 18-15

HOUSTON – Texans starting quarterback C.J. Stroud was hit hard Sunday while running the football and being tackled by Denver Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine and was ruled out for the remainder of the game Sunday with a concussion.

The back of Stroud’s helmet struck the artificial turf after he was tackled by Abrams-Draine.

Abrams-Draine was not penalized as officials ruled it was a legal tackle with no personal foul assessed as it was determined to be shoulder contact from the defensive back while Stroud ran with the football.

Stroud was down on the ground for several minutes being evaluated by trainers before leaving the field under his own power. He motioned to the crowd at NRG Stadium with a thumbs-up, heading directly into the blue medical tent for further evaluation. Stroud quickly went to the locker room for more testing.

Stroud suffered a concussion two years ago against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on a tackle by defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. In that case, too, the back of his head hit the turf.

Later in the first half, Texans right tackle Tytus Howard suffered a concussion. He wasruled out for the remainder of the game along with linebacker Christian Harris with a shin injury.

Blake Fisher replaced Howard at right tackle.

Right guard Ed Ingram was evaluated for a knee injury and briefly replaced by Juice Scruggs before returning to action.

The Denver Broncos rallied for an 18-15 victory Sunday to extend their winning streak to six games. Ka’imi Fairbairn tied a career-high with five field goals, but the Texans struggled to move the ball when Davis Mills took over at quarterback after Stroud’s injury. The Texans fell to 3-5 on the season.