Houston Texans outlook against Browns clouded by latest update
TEXANS NEWS
20 December 2023
CJ Stroud is unlikely to play this Sunday. Composite Getty Image.
The Houston Texans are riding high after a thrilling overtime win against the Tennessee Titans, with backup Case Keenum filling in for the injured CJ Stroud.
Texans fans have been hoping Stroud would return to face the Browns on Christmas Eve, giving them their best chance to make the playoffs at 8-6.
But according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson, Stroud is still in the concussion protocol and is not expected to play, per league sources.
Wilson is reporting that Stroud is still dealing with light sensitivity, and Case Keenum is likely to start again on Sunday.
The Texans have signed quarterback Tim Boyle, signaling the team is preparing to be without their starting QB once again.
If Stroud doesn't return to practice on Thursday, Keenum starting again looks like a lock.
From Monday night updates on C.J. Stroud expected to miss #Browns game with Case Keenum to start again along with updates on Nico Collins (strained calf), Will Anderson Jr., (high ankle sprain) and Blake Cashman (strained hamstring) @JakeAsman https://t.co/cuMHCqxMiW
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 20, 2023
Wilson also expects linebacker Brian Cashman (hamstring) and pass rusher Will Anderson (ankle) to miss the Browns game.
One bright spot for Houston could be the return of receiver Nico Collins (calf). He appeared close to playing against the Titans, so we'll monitor his practice status this week.
Rockets advance to NBA Cup semifinals after thrilling win over Warriors
Dec 11, 2024, 11:50 pm
Jalen Green made two free throws with 3.5 seconds left and the Houston Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 91-90 on Wednesday night to advance to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas.
Houston snapped a 15-game skid against the Warriors, winning for the first time in the series since Feb. 20, 2020. The Rockets will face Oklahoma City, which beat Dallas in the other West quarterfinal game on Tuesday night, in the semifinals on Saturday.
Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 26 points and 11 rebounds and Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points.
Houston led by 14 before falling behind late to set up the thrilling finish.
Houston trailed by six with about 1 1/2 minutes left before Fred VanVleet made a 3-pointer and Sengun added a layup with 27 seconds to go to cut the lead to one.
Stephen Curry missed a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left and Gary Payton II grabbed the rebound, but Green intercepted his pass and was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga to set up the winning free throws.
The Warriors had a chance to win it at the buzzer but Smith blocked Brandin Podziemski’s 3-point attempt.
Takeaways
Warriors: Golden State beat the Rockets twice this season without Curry before losing Wednesday in a game where he had 19 points.
Rockets: This young team showed poise in finishing this one after squandering a double-digit lead.
Key moment
Green’s hustle on getting the ball late to draw the foul to set up the winning free throws.
Key stat
Houston won despite making just 6 of 27 3-pointers.
Up next
While Houston heads to Las Vegas this weekend, the Warriors will return to regular-season play Sunday at Dallas.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
