It’s back to the C.J. Stroud spectacle in Houston for the Texans‘ offense. Let’s see how much it affects the offensive identity.
Stroud, who missed the past three games with a concussion, has been cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol and will start this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach DeMeco Ryans announced on Friday. Defensive back Jalen Pitre (concussion) was also cleared to return and will start at the nickel position.
“I’m excited to be back,” Stroud said Friday in his first interview since Week 9. “Blessed, man. Super grateful to be healthy again and have some peace knowing that my body, my brain, my thoughts feel clear and clean.”
The Colts aren’t expected to have any major injuries, though defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is still on the injured reserve with a neck injury suffered earlier this month. Quarterback Daniel Jones has been battling a fibula injury but told reporters that he would be ready for Sunday’s AFC South matchup.
Here’s a look at the final injury reports and status for the Texans and Colts after Friday’s walkthrough, along with the status of players.
Texans injury reportPlayerInjuryMondayTuesdayWednesdaySTATUSLB Jamal HillconcussionDNPDNPDNPOUTCB Ajani CarterconcussionDNPDNPDNPOUTDB Jalen PitreconcussionLPLPFPDE Will Anderson Jr.kneeDNPLPLPQB C.J. StroudconcussionFPFPFPOT Trent BrownhandLPLPFPDE Denico AutrykneeDNPLPFPOT Blake FisherIllnessDNPLPFPColts injury reportPlayerInjuryWednesdayThursdayFridaySTATUSDT Neville GallimorekneeLPFPLPCB Sauce GardnerbackLPFPFPQB Daniel JoneslegLPLPLPLB Jaylon CarliesankleLPLPLPOUTCB Charvarius Wardankle—-DNPCB Kenny Mooreankle—-FP
Kickoff from Lucas Stadium is scheduled for Noon CT on CBS. Ian Eagle and former three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt will be on the call.