Texans QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) listed as doubtful vs. Titans

Rookie sensation C.J. Stroud could miss the first game of his NFL career.

The Houston Texans officially ruled Stroud as doubtful to play in Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans due to a concussion suffered in the Week 14 loss to the New York Jets.

Stroud missed practice all week and remained in concussion protocol Friday, head coach DeMeco Ryans said. The doubtful designation gives only a sliver of hope Stroud could play Sunday. 

"C.J., he's starting to feel a little bit better, but he will still be in concussion protocol," Ryans said before the designation was announced. "We have our hopes that he can feel better. We'll see how the next couple of days go."

Ryans noted that Stroud's long-term health is more important than any singular game.

"He's just getting back healthy," Ryans said. "That's the main thing for him, getting back healthy. Starting to watch a little film, but he's just getting back healthy and getting back to normal, that's the main thing for C.J. For me, the game is the last thing. It's [about] how healthy is C.J.? And that's the only thing that matters. The game – it will take care of itself. But we're concerned about C.J.'s health. We're not concerned about, 'Is he going in this game or not?' We'll see. We don't know, but it's not about the game. How is C.J. doing? That's how we approach everything when it comes to the health of our players."

The Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite, Stroud has been sensational leading the young Texans to a 7-6 record. In 13 starts, he's generated 3,631 yards, second-most in the NFL, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. According to Next Gen Stats, Stroud leads the NFL in pass yards on passes of 20-plus air yards (938) and is tied for the most such completions (27).

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