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.
Astros show signs of life in blowout win over Brewers
May 7, 2025, 3:25 pm
Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings and Jeremy Peña homered and drove in four runs as the Houston Astros defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 9-1 on Wednesday.
Houston earned just its second victory in seven games to snap Milwaukee’s three-game winning streak and leave both teams with .500 records. The Brewers were attempting to sweep a series from the Astros for the first time since 2012.
The Astros led 3-1 before Peña broke the game open by delivering a three-run homer to left off reliever Elvin Rodriguez with two outs in the sixth inning.
JP3-run bomb. #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/En0XXWdlt0
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
Valdez (2-4) struck out seven while allowing three hits, two walks and one run to earn his first win since the Astros’ March 27 season opener. He threw a season-high 101 pitches.
The Framchise is all business.#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/J8EGGDk5gl
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
Milwaukee’s only run off Valdez came on Eric Haase’s fifth-inning homer, a 425-foot drive to center.
The Astros took a 1-0 lead off Quinn Priester (1-1) in the second inning as Jake Meyers hit a two-out single and scored on Zach Dezenzo’s double.
RBI double for Zach gets us on the board early! #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/AilCY27A9d
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
The Brewers have lost all 13 games this season in which their opponent scored first.
Five-time All-Star closer Josh Hader worked the ninth while pitching in Milwaukee for the first time since the Brewers traded him in 2022.
Key moment
The Astros led 1-0 and had runners on third and second with one out in the fifth when Peña hit a bouncer to third.
Safe all day. #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/OVjcvev7cM
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
The throw home beat Dezenzo to the plate. Home plate umpire Chris Conroy initially ruled Dezenzo out, but the Astros challenged the call and replays showed the runner slid home ahead of Haase’s tag.
Key stat
Valdez has now pitched at least seven innings an MLB-leading 57 times since 2020.
Up next
The Astros host the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. Scheduled pitchers are right-hander Hunter Brown (5-1, 1.67) for the Astros and right-hander Nick Martinez (1-3, 4.19) for the Reds.
The Brewers visit the Tampa Bay Ray on Friday. Left-hander José Quintana (4-1, 2.83) will pitch for the Brewers.
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