C.J. Stroud has been one of the most entertaining parts of the 2023 NFL season, but the rookie quarterback took a massive shot late in the Jets game. What do we know about Stroud’s potential injury, and what could an extended absence mean for Houston’s playoff hopes?
C.J. Stroud Injury Update
After trying to dump off a pass in the fourth quarter of a 24-6 deficit, Stroud was enveloped in the pocket by Jets defenders. As he was taken to the ground, Stroud’s neck snapped back, and his head contacted the ground.
#Texans QB C.J. Stroud exited the game after his head bounced off the turf at the end of this hit.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 10, 2023
Although we are not doctors here at PFN, sometimes the way a player falls, the way their knee buckles in a non-contact situation, or the way that we see a snap at the ankle, it’s almost surely what we think it is.
Stroud went to the locker room with what’s being described as a head injury. Concussions come in all shapes and sizes, but hitting usually when a quarterback falls the way Stroud did, they do not return to the game.
If Stroud misses time, the Texans’ playoff hopes drop significantly. There is a logjam of 7-6 teams at the bottom of the AFC playoff standings. Houston’s defense is not yet at a place where they can elevate their play without the starting QB on the field, even for a short stint.
Unfortunately, concussions are one of the few injuries that actually become easier to sustain and take longer to recover from the more they happen, so being careful with their rookie QB who appears to be a legitimate franchise passer is likely the best course of action.
The broadcast announced that he is in concussion protocol.
Fantasy Impact
Stroud entered Sunday’s game with five straight games with 270+ yards through the air. Davis Mills will take over under center while Stroud is out of the lineup, which would drop the fantasy value of WR Nico Collins significantly while Stroud is unavailable.