HOUSTON – For Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, dealing with another concussion is a medical setback that prevents him from playing the game he loves.

It’s also a time of healing and taking the proper amount of time to ensure that he’s free of symptoms before returning to practice under the NFL mandatory concussion protocol.

Stroud has been experiencing symptoms as recently as Friday, including sensitivity to light.

The last time that Stroud suffered a concussion on a diving tackle from Quinnen Williams he missed two games in his rookie season. Each time, he absorbed a similar hard hit as the back of his helmet crashed into the ground. Stroud’s condition is improving and he was at NRG Stadium on Monday, remaining under the NFL protocol along with right tackle Tytus Howard and nickel Jalen Pitre.

Kimberly Stroud, Stroud’s mother, said that her son is improving. She’s grateful for the compassion and support shown to the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year while he goes through his second NFL concussion.

“I just want to thank everyone for their prayers, the outpour of love for my son has just been amazing,” Kimberly Stroud told KPRC 2. “It really made me know that people do see him beyond the field. Sometimes, you really just don’t know until something does happen. There was so many people that wrote into the foundation and said so many powerful words.

“I just want to thank everyone. He is progressing day by day. Of course, he wants to play. He’s doing better each day. So, thank you for your prayers.”

All three players’ status for this week is still being determined. It would be surprising if Howard doesn’t return this week, per sources. Stroud might ultimately wind up missing another game, though, against the 1-8 Tennessee Titans. If he can’t go, backup Davis Mills, who engineered a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, will start again.

“We’ll see how they progress throughout the week,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.

The Texans will be placing starting safety M.J. Stewart on injured reserve due to a torn quadriceps tendon. He will undergo surgery.

The Texans’ options at safety include the option of shifting Pitre back to safety, when he’s healthy. They can also plug in Myles Bryant, as they did Sunday in a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars when Stewart got hurt, or insert rookie Jaylen Reed. Another experienced option on the practice squad: safety Jalen Mills.

“Unfortunately, with our safety position, M.J. went down with a quad injury and he’ll be out for the season,” Ryans said. “He’ll have surgery here over the next couple days. So, unfortunate for M.J. He was doing a really good job, playing really good for us in that starting role.

“He meant a lot to our team. So, we’re going to miss M.J. and what he brings to our team. So, opportunity for other guys to step up, whoever that may be. We’ll see who’s ready to step up.”

NOTE: Texans right tackle Trent Brown is dealing with an ankle injury and was in a walking boot after the game. One source said the injury isn’t regarded as long-term

Aaron Wilson is a contributor to Sports Talk 790.

Chris Gordy