TEXANS NEWS
Houston Texans outlook against Browns clouded by latest update
Dec 20, 2023, 10:55 am
CJ Stroud is unlikely to play this Sunday. Composite Getty Image.
stroud-will-no-text
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.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.