HOUSTON – Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is still dealing with symptoms and remains under the NFL concussion protocol, preventing him from returning to practice.
Stroud’s status under the protocol is expected to sideline him for a second game in a row Sunday against the Tennessee Titans with backup Davis Mills prepping to start again, per league sources.
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Stroud has experienced symptoms, including sensitivity to light last week and lingering headaches.
Mills ran for the game-winning touchdown in a comeback victory he engineered against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday, completing 27 of 45 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns. Mills was listed on the injury report as a full participant with a left elbow injury.
Meanwhile, right tackle Tytus Howard, as expected, returned to practice and remains under the concussion protocol. He participated fully is tracking toward returning Sunday against the Titans.
Standout nickel Jalen Pitre didn’t practice and remains under the NFL concussion protocol. If he can’t go, the Texans could insert Myles Bryant at nickel. Candidates to play safety include rookie Jaylen Reed and veteran Jalen Mills, who can be elevated from the practice squad. Bryant was signed to the 53-man roster Wednesday.
Right guard Ed Ingram returned to practice on a limited basis from a knee injury that kept him out against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With Ingram back at right guard, the Texans have options at left guard with the leader regarded as Jarrett Patterson after a solid performance last week.
Backup tackle Trent Brown, who started in place of Howard and played well, practiced despite suffering an ankle injury that had him hobbling and in a walking boot Sunday. X-rays were negative, though, and a source said Monday the injury wasn’t regarded as long-term. He is not listed on the initial injury report.
Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn remains out with a quadriceps injury and Matthew Wright, his replacement, was signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad Saturday under the expectation that Fairbairn will need more than one week to heal up. Wright made his lone field goal attempt and all of his extra points
And tight end Cade Stover, as expected, returned to practice after being designated for return from injured reserve after breaking his foot against the Los Angeles Rams in the season-opener and undergoing surgery. Stover has made a sound recovery and is moving well. He was limited
The last time that Stroud suffered a concussion on a diving tackle from Quinnen Williams he missed two games in his rookie season. Each time, he absorbed a similar hard hit as the back of his helmet crashed into the ground. Stroud’s condition is improving and he was at NRG Stadium on Monday.
Kimberly Stroud, Stroud’s mother, said that her son is improving. She’s grateful for the compassion and support shown to the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year while he goes through his second NFL concussion.
“I just want to thank everyone for their prayers, the outpour of love for my son has just been amazing,” Kimberly Stroud told KPRC 2. “It really made me know that people do see him beyond the field. Sometimes, you really just don’t know until something does happen. There was so many people that wrote into the foundation and said so many powerful words.
“I just want to thank everyone. He is progressing day by day. Of course, he wants to play. He’s doing better each day. So, thank you for your prayers.”
“We’ll see how they progress throughout the week,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said of Stroud, Howard and Pitre.
The Texans officially placed starting safety M.J. Stewart on injured reserve due to a torn quadriceps tendon. He will undergo surgery.
“Unfortunately, with our safety position, M.J. went down with a quad injury and he’ll be out for the season,” Ryans said. “He’ll have surgery here over the next couple days. So, unfortunate for M.J. He was doing a really good job, playing really good for us in that starting role.
“He meant a lot to our team. So, we’re going to miss M.J. and what he brings to our team. So, opportunity for other guys to step up, whoever that may be. We’ll see who’s ready to step up.”
NOTES: Tight end Dalton Schulz didn’t practice due to a shoulder injury. Backup tight end Harrison Bryant didn’t practice due to neck and shoulder injuries.
Defensive end Denico Autry was rested with a lingering knee injury.
Reserve linebacker Christian Harris returned to practice from a shin injury. He participated fully.
The following players were limited: linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), linebacker Jake Hansen (elbow), Ingram and Stover.
Tight end Lane Pryor was signed to the practice squad. He played collegiately at Northern Iowa.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KRPC 2 and click2houston.com