Injury Status of Texans Star Rookie

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans are set to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 16 at NRG Stadium, and they will once again be without several key players. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud remains in concussion protocol after a hit from New York Jets’ defensive lineman Quinnen Williams on Dec. 10, marking his second consecutive absence. Stroud is not the sole Texan sidelined for the Browns matchup; defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and linebacker Blake Cashman, both injured against the Jets, have also been officially ruled out for the second straight week.

Anderson suffered an ankle injury at MetLife Stadium, while Cashman exited the game in the first quarter due to a hamstring issue. Despite the significance of Sunday’s game in the AFC postseason race, coach DeMeco Ryans remains unfazed by the number of absent players. Ryans emphasizes the “next man up” approach, encouraging players to seize opportunities when presented.

“The next man up approach — it’s really about seizing your opportunity,” Ryans stated. “If somebody went down with an injury, that was an opportunity for me to step up and showcase, ‘Alright, what can I do as a player?’ It’s always an opportunity, and you have to be ready for that moment when your number is called and show why you belong.”

Wide receiver Nico Collins, who suffered a calf injury against the Jets, missed the Texans’ Week 15 victory over the Tennessee Titans but has been upgraded to questionable for the Browns game. Additionally, veterans Maliek Collins (hip) and Denzel Perryman (Achilles) are also listed as questionable.

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