Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for QB of the Houston Texans

For the Houston Texans, the health of quarterback C.J. Stroud has been a top priority since he exited the team’s Week 14 win over the Arizona Cardinals with a concussion—a injury that sidelined him for their subsequent loss to the Cleveland Browns. This week, however, there’s cause for optimism: team officials, medical staff, and coaches have all noted significant progress in Stroud’s recovery, inching the second-year QB closer to a potential return for the Texans’ critical Week 16 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for QB of the Houston Texans isn’t just about tracking symptoms; it’s about understanding how the Texans’ medical team is navigating the NFL’s strict concussion protocol, how Stroud’s milestones are measured, and what his return could mean for a Texans team fighting for an AFC South title. For a franchise that has leaned heavily on Stroud’s breakout season (3,840 passing yards, 24 touchdowns entering Week 14), each positive update is a step toward keeping their playoff hopes on track.

Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for QB of the Houston Texans began with the first official update from the Texans’ medical staff on Monday, when head athletic trainer Geoff Kaplan outlined Stroud’s progression through the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol. Kaplan explained that Stroud had completed the first two steps—rest and light cognitive activity (like film study without screens)—without experiencing symptoms like headaches or dizziness. “C.J. has been symptom-free for 48 hours, which is a key milestone,” Kaplan said during a press conference. “We started with 15-minute film sessions on Sunday, using physical playbooks instead of digital screens to reduce eye strain, and he tolerated it well. On Monday, we increased that to 30 minutes, and he was able to recall plays and discuss strategy with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik—another positive sign.” Kaplan emphasized that the protocol is “player-led,” meaning Stroud’s comfort level dictates the pace. “We won’t rush him,” Kaplan added. “Concussion recovery is unique to each athlete, and our goal is to make sure he’s 100fore he steps back on the field.” The update relieved Texans fans, who had worried Stroud might miss multiple weeks, and shifted the narrative from concern to cautious hope.

Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for QB of the Houston Texans took a tangible step forward on Wednesday, when Stroud was cleared to participate in the third phase of the protocol: light physical activity. For the first time since his injury, Stroud joined the Texans’ quarterbacks on the practice field, where he completed non-contact drills like handoffs, short throws to stationary targets, and agility ladder work. The session was closely monitored by Kaplan and team physician Dr. Walter Lowe, who checked in with Stroud every 15 minutes to assess for symptoms. “It felt great to be back out there with the guys,” Stroud told reporters after practice, wearing a Texans hoodie and holding a water bottle. “I didn’t do anything intense—just basic stuff—but being part of practice, even in a small way, helps with the mental part of recovery. You start to feel like yourself again.” Head coach DeMeco Ryans watched the drills closely, noting Stroud’s body language as a key indicator of progress. “You can tell he’s feeling better—his energy is up, his movements are sharp,” Ryans said. “We’re still taking it day by day, but seeing him out there is a big lift for the entire team.” Video clips of Stroud’s drills quickly circulated on social media, with fans and analysts pointing to his steady mechanics as a sign he hadn’t lost his rhythm.

Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for QB of the Houston Texans included a critical milestone on Thursday, when Stroud advanced to the fourth phase of the protocol: controlled contact practice. The Texans’ coaching staff designed a modified practice plan for Stroud, limiting him to 7-on-7 drills (no linemen) and short, quick passes to avoid sudden hits or jarring movements. Stroud completed 12 of 15 passes during the session, connecting with receivers Nico Collins and Robert Woods on several timing routes—plays the Texans rely on in their offense. Slowik, who ran the drills, was impressed by Stroud’s decision-making. “C.J. was reading defenses like he never left,” Slowik said. “He recognized blitzes, adjusted routes at the line, and threw with accuracy—all things we need him to do when he returns. The contact part was minimal, but he handled it without any issues.” The Houston Texans’ medical team also conducted a post-practice evaluation, including a balance test and symptom check, which Stroud passed. Kaplan later confirmed that Stroud would move to the fifth and final phase—full-contact practice—if he remained symptom-free overnight. “This is a big step, but we’re not done yet,” Kaplan said. “Full contact will be the real test, and we’ll be watching closely for any signs of fatigue or discomfort.”

Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for QB of the Houston Texans saw Stroud complete the final phase of the protocol on Friday, participating in full-contact team drills for the first time since his injury. The Texans’ practice included live scrimmage reps, with Stroud taking snaps against the first-team defense and facing simulated pressure from defensive linemen. He completed 18 of 22 passes, including a 25-yard touchdown pass to Collins on a fade route—one of the Texans’ most effective red-zone plays. After practice, Stroud underwent a final round of tests, including a cognitive assessment and a review of his practice film with the medical staff, before being officially cleared to return. “C.J. has met all the criteria for return to play,” Kaplan announced in a statement. “He’s symptom-free, his cognitive function is back to baseline, and he performed well in full-contact drills. We’re confident in his health moving forward.” The Houston Texans’ coaching staff immediately adjusted their game plan to incorporate Stroud, with Ryans confirming the QB would start against the Colts. “Having C.J. back changes everything,” Ryans said. “He’s the leader of our offense, and his ability to make plays and keep drives alive is something we missed last week. This is a big win for our team.”

Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for QB of the Houston Texans wrapped up with Stroud’s final prep for the Colts game on Saturday, when he led the Texans’ offense through a walkthrough practice focused on game-day scenarios. He spent extra time working on two-minute drills and red-zone plays—areas where the Texans struggled with backup QB Case Keenum against the Browns. “I’m just grateful to be back,” Stroud said during a pre-game press conference. “The medical team was amazing—they took their time, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt safe every step of the way. The guys kept me involved during the week, sending me plays and updating me on practice, which helped keep my mind in the game.” For the Houston Texans, Stroud’s recovery is more than just a player returning—it’s a lifeline for their playoff aspirations. With a win over the Colts, the Texans would take a two-game lead in the AFC South, putting them in prime position to secure their first division title since 2019. As Stroud put it: “This recovery wasn’t just about me. It was about this team, this city, and everyone who’s believed in us. Now it’s time to go out there and win.” In the end, Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for QB of the Houston Texans is a story of careful medical care, player resilience, and team unity—all coming together to keep a season of promise alive.