How latest CJ Stroud news should spur Texans priority pivot
TEXANS ON TAP
21 December 2023
TEXANS ON TAP
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.
Don't miss the video above for the full breakdown.
And subscribe to SportsMapTexans on YouTube for our latest videos!
The Houston Astros didn’t just sweep the Philadelphia Phillies. They sent a message.
In three tightly contested games against one of the best teams in baseball, the Astros leaned on their elite pitching and timely offense to secure a statement sweep. Hunter Brown was electric in the finale, shutting down the Phillies’ lineup and showing the kind of dominance that’s become a defining feature of his game. Bryan Abreu slammed the door with four strikeouts to close out the win, and rookie Cam Smith delivered the deciding blow — an RBI single in the eighth to drive in Isaac Paredes, lifting the Astros to a 2-1 victory.
It wasn’t a series filled with offensive fireworks, but that’s exactly the point. Both teams sent out top-tier pitching throughout the series, and Houston was the team that kept finding a way. For much of the season, the Astros’ inconsistent offense might’ve been a concern in a series like this. But this time, it felt different. The bats showed up just enough, and the pitching did the rest.
Now, with Houston on pace for 96 wins at the halfway point, the question becomes: Is the league officially on notice?
Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing is certain, the Astros have the third-best record in baseball, they’re 17-7 in one-run games, and they’re playing with the kind of rhythm that’s defined their near-decade of dominance. Unlike last year’s uneven campaign, this version of the Astros looks like a team that’s rediscovered its edge. Whether or not they need to take care of business against the Cubs to validate it, their recent run leaves little doubt: when Houston is clicking, there are very few teams built to stop them.
Off the field, however, a bit of long-term uncertainty is starting to creep in. Reports surfaced this week that extension talks with shortstop Jeremy Peña have been put on hold as he recently signed with super-agent Scott Boras. The combination has led many to wonder if Peña might follow the same free-agent path as Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, and others before him. Boras clients rarely settle early, and Peña, now one of the most valuable shortstops in the game, could command a price tag the Astros have historically avoided paying.
If Peña and even Hunter Brown are likely to get priced out of Houston, the front office may need to pivot. Isaac Paredes could be the most logical extension candidate on the roster. His approach — particularly his ability to pull the ball with authority — is tailor-made for Daikin Park and the Crawford Boxes. Last year, Paredes struggled to leave the yard at Wrigley Field, but in Houston, he’s thriving. Locking him in long term would give the Astros offensive stability and the kind of value they’ve typically targeted.
As for Cam Smith, the breakout rookie is far from free agency and will remain a cost-controlled piece for years. That’s exactly why his contributions now, like his clutch eighth-inning knock to beat Philadelphia, matter so much. He's one more reason why the Astros don’t just look good right now. They look dangerous.
And the rest of the league is starting to feel it.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
___________________________
*ChatGPT assisted.
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!