Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was hit hard by Denver Broncos defender Kris Abrams-Draine during a second-quarter scramble on Sunday, leading to a momentary loss of consciousness. Stroud attempted to slide out of a rush, but the collision caused his head to hit the field, leaving him motionless for a brief moment. Players on the field immediately called for the medical staff, and Stroud was taken off the field to be evaluated for potential injuries.
The Texans, who entered the game with a 3-4 record, were looking to bolster their playoff chances, but the incident occurred early in the contest. Stroud, a former Ohio State standout, had already shown signs of inconsistency due to a series of injuries throughout the season. Before the hit, he was 6-of-10 for 79 yards and had managed 12 rushing yards on two carries. Davis Mills, the backup quarterback, stepped into the game for the Texans after Stroud was removed.
Stroud’s injury is being closely monitored, as the team is assessing whether he sustained a concussion. The Texans are still vying for a playoff spot, and Stroud’s performance has been a key factor in their season. His statistics for the season include 1,623 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions in seven games. The incident has raised concerns about player safety, especially in high-impact collisions during live action in an NFL game.
The team has not released an official statement on the severity of Stroud’s injury, but it is clear that the incident has sparked discussion about the league’s approach to protecting quarterbacks from dangerous hits. As the season progresses, the focus remains on the Texans’ ability to adapt to these challenges and continue their pursuit of a playoff berth.