How latest CJ Stroud news should spur Texans priority pivot
TEXANS ON TAP
21 December 2023
The Houston Texans appear to be without CJ Stroud for their clash against the Browns on Christman Eve, as he's still in the concussion protocol and has yet to participate in even a limited practice.
With this information in mind, should the Texans consider playing Stroud this Sunday if he clears protocol late in the week and hasn't practiced?
Thursday’s Injury Report for #CLEvsHOU ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/FfnyacbrMY
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 21, 2023
As a frame of reference, Saints quarterback Derek Carr has experienced two concussions in one month this season, and was able to return and play against the Panthers just seven days after his second concussion.
Carr has played well and won both games since returning, so there is a precedent for something like this. The problem is, only the Texans and Stroud know if he sustained a concussion against the Broncos too. If he was concussed two weeks in a row, that changes things in our minds. But we have no way of knowing if he is dealing with just the one concussion against the Jets, or if it's something more serious.
Plus, Derek Carr was able to get in two limited practices before getting cleared on Friday and logging a full practice that Friday before the game.
Should the Texans shut Stroud down?
PFT's Mike Florio recently said he thinks there's a possibility that the Texans sit him for the remainder of the season. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
If Stroud clears the protocol and practices next week with no issues, we would expect him to return. And if that's the case, the playoffs could still be very much in reach.
Beating the Titans and Colts (especially the Colts) would significantly increase Houston's odds of getting in, even if they lose to the Browns this Sunday.
Looking ahead
Based on the hits Stroud is taking, does this change offseason priorities from weapons to protection? It's an interesting question, but with the draft capital and salary cap space the Texans have, why not do both?
The Texans are expecting to get a lot of offensive linemen back in 2024, but it couldn't hurt to add another center or guard just in case. And better yet, maybe they could find a tight end that's a great blocker and quality pass catcher. Finding a player with similar traits to 49ers TE George Kittle would be a great addition.
Drafting a player of Kittle's caliber is no small feat, but perhaps a rookie with those abilities could be developed into a lesser version of Kittle.
One thing is for sure, the Texans have some big decisions to make in free agency and the draft. But let's not give up on this season quite yet if Stroud is medically cleared and ready to play next week.
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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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