Texans injury report for Week 17: Will Anderson remains out, while C.J. Stroud played every minute
Ahead of Week 17, the Houston Texans are starting to feel a little better.
Following his two-week absence due to a concussion, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is officially back at practice. A few other players have also returned as limited participants.
Before the Texans play the Tennessee Titans in a crucial AFC South game, a few important players are still out of the picture.
After practice on Thursday, the complete Week 17 injury report is available here.
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Jonathan Greenard, C.J. Stroud, and Will Anderson Active EXIT
Recalled to the starting lineup for the first time in three weeks is Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans.
Two players who can affect games for the Houston Texans are returning to both ends of the court.
For the first time since Week 14, quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. are both active. Stroud returned to practice fully on Thursday after clearing the concussion protocol on Wednesday. After missing three games due to an ankle ailment, Anderson made a comeback to practice on Friday.
After starting the season with Case Keenum and being winless, the Texans need to find some spark before they play the Tennessee Titans in Week 17. Stroud, who led the NFL in passing yards (3,631) prior to exiting against the New York Jets, had the offense averaging 26.3 points per game.
Keenum, who salvaged a 19-16 overtime win against the Titans at Nissan Stadium, struggled hard against the Cleveland Browns, throwing for 62 yards and two interceptions in a 36-22 loss. During the fourth quarter, Davis Mills completed passes for two touchdowns.
Right now, Stroud is the favorite to earn Offensive Rookie of the Year in the betting. Prior to the injury, Anderson had eight tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, which put him in the discussion for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The Texans will be without their star pass rusher Jonathan Greenard due to an ankle injury he sustained in the team’s loss to the Browns last week, even though they have Anderson back off the edge. Houston’s top sackscorer, Greenard (12.5), skipped practice the previous week.
Keenum, Josh Jones, Andrew Beck, the offensive tackle, and defensive lineman Maliek Collins were also out due to injuries. Beck was limited on Thursday and Friday last week, and Collins did not practice.
Starting opposite Derek Stingley Jr. is cornerback Steven Nelson, whose status due to a foot/hand injury was rated as uncertain. Sheldon Rankins, the defensive tackle, is likely to play after practicing on Thursday following an ankle injury.
With the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts, Houston (8-7) continues to share first place in the AFC South rankings. The Texans can still win and qualify for both the division title and a wild card berth in the AFC playoffs.
The Texans are presently ranked as the eighth seed in the AFC.
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