Houston Texans outlook against Browns clouded by latest update

TEXANS NEWS

Texans CJ Stroud, Will Anderson
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.

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.

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The Angels beat the Astros, 3-0. Composite Getty Image.

José Soriano and two relievers combined for a two-hitter and Oswald Peraza hit his first home run since a trade from the Yankees to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.

Soriano (10-9) allowed one hit and struck out eight in seven innings. Luis García allowed one hit in a scoreless eighth and Kenley Jansen threw a perfect ninth for his 25th save.

There were two outs in the fifth when Peraza connected off Hunter Brown (10-7) into the bullpen in right-center field to put the Angels up 1-0. His homer comes after his two-run single in the ninth inning Saturday helped Los Angeles to a 4-1 victory that snapped a three-game skid.

Yoan Moncada walked to start the eighth and scored on Mike Trout’s double that bounced off the wall in center field to make it 2-0. Taylor Ward walked before Luis Rengifo reached and Trout scored on an error by Lance McCullers Jr. when the pitcher overthrew first base.

Yordan Alvarez singled with no outs in the first and Soriano walked a batter in the second and sixth innings. The Astros didn’t get another hit until Ramón Urías doubled with one out in the eighth inning. Los Angeles outfielder Taylor Ward was injured trying to make a catch on that hit when he crashed face-first into the metal scoreboard in left field.

He was carted off the field holding a towel to the right side of his face. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance where interim manager Ray Montgomery said he would receive stitches to close the cut and be evaluated.

Brown allowed three hits and a run with five strikeouts in six innings. McCullers Jr. allowed three hits and two runs in his first relief appearance since 2018.

Key moment

The home run by Peraza.

Key stat

It’s the fifth time the Astros have been shut out this month.

Up next

LHP Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 3.68 ERA) will start for Los Angeles in the series finale Monday against RHP Luis Garcia, who’ll make his return after sitting out since May 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.

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