Texans rookie C.J. Stroud in NFL concussion protocol: ‘He’s the light of our team’

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – When Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud’s helmet struck the hard, wet artificial turf Sunday afternoon, the force of the hit caused his head to bounce off the ground.

The blow delivered by New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams left the Pro Bowl candidate and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner in visible pain and groggy. Stroud was helped off the field by trainers and went to the locker room as he was placed under the NFL concussion protocol and replaced by backup quarterback Davis Mills.

Losing Stroud, who can’t return to play until he passes a baseline neurological exam, returns to practice and has no more concussion symptoms, represents a significant blow to the Texans’ playoff hopes. Stroud entered Sunday’s 30-6 loss to the Jets as the NFL passing yardage leader with 3,504 yards along with 20 touchdown passes and five interceptions, reviving a losing franchise into a contender.

“I was just telling somebody, he’s really like the light of our team,” Texans tight end Brevin Jordan said. “He’s a guy that’s came in here, brought a lot of moxy, a lot of swag, and to see him go down it’s tough. But it’s football, get ready to get back to it, next man got to be up, got to be ready to go.”

Williams hit Stroud with a lot of force, arriving late in the pocket as the second overall pick in the draft and two-time Heisman Trophy finalist from Ohio State delivered a pass.

Stroud passed for a season-low 91 yards as the Texans’ offense skidded to an abrupt halt without injured wide receivers Nico Collins, Tank Dell and tight end Dalton Schultz. His status for Sunday’s road game against the Tennessee Titans is now in doubt.

“C.J. will be in concussion protocol,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We’ll see how he progresses throughout the week.”

The hit was late, but didn’t draw a flag. Following the game, Williams, one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL, made it clear on social media he had no ill intent against Stroud.

“I pray CJ is ok, everyone know I’m not a dirty player or trying to hurt a great, Elite QB like him or any player in the league,” Williams wrote. “I play hard and I play fair. Again I pray CJ is ok and wish him nothing but the best.”

Stroud’s injury immediately drew concern from teammates, who knelt in prayer beside him.

Stroud was on the ground for a while in the fourth quarter before steadying as he was helped to his feet and jogging off the field. He went inside the blue medical tent before going to the locker room for further evaluation. Then, the Texans announced he was being evaluated for a concussion.

Stroud was sacked four times and hit six times overall. He was under heavy duress Sunday. He was under pressure on 40 percent of his dropbacks, according to NextGen Stats. It was a rough day all-around for the Texans’ offense against an excellent Jets defense as Stroud completed just 10 of 23 passes.

“On the hit with C.J., we’ve got to block it better,” Ryans said. “We can’t allow them to get to our quarterback. We’ve got to block it better up front.”

When Stroud was replaced by Mills, the former starter completed 1 of 5 passes for four yards. He went 1 for 1 for 18 yards against the Denver Broncos when Stroud was evaluated for a concussion and quickly cleared.

The Texans had only 135 yards of total offense. Without Stroud, the Texans’ entire team felt the impact of his absence.

“Super tough,” Mills said. “I love that man. Obviously, it’s tough seeing him go down. I know the team felt that. The team wants to go out there and play for him. I’ve just got to step in and make sure there’s no drop off when I come in and play, like I tried to do at the end of this game. It’s just a tough day

“Of course, nothing changes in my terms of preparation. Going into the offense, even as the No. 2 this year, I’ve been preparing every week like I’m going into the game to start. So, I don’t think there should be any change in preparation. Hopefully, C.J. is going to be great and will bounce back from this. Regardless of what happens, I’ll be ready to go.

The Texans’ only score was on a Devin Singletary touchdown run. Then, practice squad kicker Matt Ammendola missed the extra point.

The prospect of playing without Stroud, even for a week, is a lot for the Texans to absorb

“Man, a lot,” Singletary said when asked about the impact of losing Stroud. “That’s our guy. That’s our leader. We’re all rallying behind him. Now, we’ve just got to be there for him. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious and we get him back soon.

The Texans have leaned heavily on Stroud during their resurgent season. He has led a pair of game-winning scoring drives and played a large part in boosting their relevance.

Texans wide receiver Robert Woods spoke briefly with Stroud after the game to check on him.

“I didn’t see the hit, just saw him on the ground,” Woods said. “Very instrumental to our offense being able to have an explosive passing game. It’s tough when we lose 7, but hopefully it’s not too serious. Davis is a great quarterback, able to make all the throws.

“First things first, it’s always prayers up that it’s nothing serious, but it’s always tough when you have a player go down, especially a quarterback, a leader of this offense, but we’ll see what it is. But, full confidence in Davis, if needed.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.