CJ Stroud’s status for Week 17 revealed

Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws the ball during warmups before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans are getting a big boost as they fight for a division title in Week 17.

CJ Stroud has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. The rookie will start on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Stroud has been sidelined for two games after he suffered a concussion in Week 14. The Texans lost to the Cleveland Browns without Stroud on Christmas Eve. They beat the Titans the week before that.

Houston was fortunate that both the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars also lost on Sunday, so the three teams are 8-7 and tied for first in the AFC South.

Stroud has been outstanding in his first NFL season, which is the primary reason the Texans are in playoff contention. The former Ohio State star has 3,631 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions in 13 games.