NFL Overreactions Week 9
USAT’s Prince Grimes breaks down the biggest storylines from NFL Week 9.
Sports Seriously
The Houston Texans have some Texas-sized problems.
Most of them are thanks to an offensive line that struggles to block, but none of them are bigger than the health of the quarterback, C.J. Stroud.
Houston’s star was forced out of action in Week 9 after taking a big hit against the Denver Broncos. Stroud’s head hit the turf hard and he was promptly evaluated by the training staff. The quarterback went to the locker room after exiting the blue medical tent.
Now as the Texans slip in the playoff hunt, they also have to worry about the health of Stroud – who is now in concussion protocol.
Here’s the latest on the Texans’ quarterback and how long he might be out.
How long is C.J. Stroud out?
Stroud is in concussion protocol as of Monday, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed in a news conference on Nov. 3.
“He’s feeling a little bit better,” Ryans told reporters. “We’ll see how the week goes and how he progresses throughout the week.”
Stroud will not be able to return to the field until he is cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol. The process makes it difficult for a player to return to play the following week, meaning Stroud is likely facing an uphill climb for Week 10.
And Ryans acknowledged that backup quarterback Davis Mills could be called upon to start in Stroud’s absence.
“[If] Davis has to step in and play, we expect him to go out and do his best,” Ryans said. “Just play the offense the proper way and make great decisions with the football.”
Houston already had their bye in Week 6, so there is no break in the schedule for the Texans. They are set to take on the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10 and already trail the AFC South-leading Colts by three games in the loss column.
Time is running out quickly for Houston as playoff hopefuls and that will only be complicate if Stroud can’t play.
The first clues to the quarterback’s Week 10 status will come on Nov. 5 when Houston releases their first injury report.
What is concussion protocol in the NFL?
The NFL’s concussion protocol is designed to ensure a player’s safety after suffering a head injury. It’s a five-step process that a player has to clear before they can return to play. Those steps are, as defined by the NFL:
Symptom limited activityAerobic exerciseFootball specific exerciseClub-based non-contact training drillsFull football activity/clearance
Before a player enters the protocol, they are evaluated on the sideline. The tests are conducted by the team’s physician and unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant. The evaluation includes observing any “no-go” symptoms, which are things like loss of consciousness, confusion, amnesia and more, in addition to history of concussions, other signs/symptoms and video review.
At that point, a neurological exam is conducted and the player is escorted to the locker room if the sideline evaluation leaves any doubt.
Stroud now has a checklist of things to complete if he hopes to return in Week 10.
Texans QB depth chart
If Stroud is unable to play, the expectation is that Mills would get the start. The backup was forced into action after Stroud departed and completed 6-of-10 pass attempts for 79 yards.
Houston was unable to score a touchdown in Week 9, requiring five field goals for their 15 points against Denver’s defense.
Mertz was inactive as the emergency third quarterback, but he’d likely step up into the backup role if Mills starts in Stroud’s absence.