EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (AP) — C.J. Stroud has been placed in the concussion protocol after suffering a concussion in the final minutes of the Houston Texans’ 30-6 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday.
The Texans are unsure whether their star rookie quarterback will be ready for the game against AFC South rival Tennessee next Sunday.
“We’ll see how he progresses throughout the week,” said Houston coach DeMeco Ryans.
Stroud was hit by Quinnen Williams after completing a 6-yard pass to John Metchie, fell backward, and his head appeared to bounce off the MetLife Stadium turf with 6:30 remaining. Before walking to the locker room, he was briefly examined on the sideline.
The Texans announced that Stroud was out for the game, and Davis Mills took his place.
“On the hit with C.J., we’ve got to block it better,” he said. “We can’t let them return to our quarterback.” We need to do a better job of blocking it up front.”
Stroud, who entered the game leading the NFL in passing yards, was unable to do much against an aggressive Jets defense. He finished 10 of 23 for 91 yards and was sacked four times before leaving with a head injury.
In their worst offensive performance of the season, the Texans (7-6) finished with 135 total yards and went 1 for 12 on third down and 0 for 3 on fourth down.
“It all starts with executing what we’re supposed to do to give ourselves a chance,” said Ryans. “You have to start there.” You have to be able to execute the game plan and do what we need to do, regardless of who is in there.”
Mills, who will most likely start if Stroud is unable to play, was 1 of 5 for 4 yards and was sacked once after entering the game.
“It’s super tough,” Mills said of seeing Stroud in pain. “I admire that man, battling week after week. It’s obviously difficult to see him fall.”
The Texans came into the game having won four of their previous five games, with their only loss coming two weeks ago to AFC South rival Jacksonville.
“We just came out flat today,” said tight end Brevin Jordan. “It’s one of those things that we have to pick up as a team.” We must be prepared to adapt. We play this game to win; it’s difficult.”
Stroud was a big reason for Houston’s surge, which missed a chance to catch first-place Jacksonville (8-5) after the Jaguars lost 31-27 at Cleveland. Indianapolis (7-6) lost 34-14 at Cincinnati, tying Houston for second place in the division.
Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in April of last year, entered the season with 3,540 yards passing, the third most by a player in his first 12 games. He has 20 touchdown passes and only five interceptions, and hasn’t thrown an interception in his last three games, despite his struggles against the Jets.
“He’s really like the light of our team,” Jordan said. “He’s a guy who came in here with a lot of moxie and swag.” It’s difficult to see him go down, but it’s football. The next man has to be ready to go.”
Nico Collins, another wide receiver, left the game early with a calf injury and did not return. Cornerback Tavierre Thomas and linebacker Blake Cashman both suffered hamstring injuries in the first half and did not return, and rookie defensive end Will Anderson injured his ankle in the fourth quarter.
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