ROOKIE quarterback C.J. Stroud has lit up the NFL since being drafted second overall this Spring.
However, it appears he is set to miss his first game since joining the Houston Texans.
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Knocked out of Houston's 30-6 Week 14 loss to the New York Jets, Stroud has been in the concussion protocol all week.
Listed as doubtful in the Texans' final Injury Report ahead of their Week 15 game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Stroud is reportedly not set to play, as per Houston's NBC affiliate KPRC 2.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told the media on Friday that Stroud is "starting to feel a little bit better," before stressing that the 22-year-old's health is the priority.
"It's all about the health of C.J.," Ryans said.
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He went on to add that Stroud is "starting to watch a little film," adding: "He's just getting back healthy and getting back to normal.
"That's the main thing for C.J. For me, the game is the last thing [that matters]. It's how healthy is C.J. And that's the only thing that matters."
As for who could replace Stroud, third-year quarterback Davis Mills is reportedly "preparing to start," according to KPRC 2.
Mills stepped in for Stroud against the Jets, going 1 of 5 for four yards on a gloomy day at MetLife Stadium.
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However, Ryans told the media that both Mills and veteran Case Keenum have been preparing this week.
"Both guys have prepared this whole week, just like every position," he said.
"Everybody is prepared. I just told everybody on Wednesday: 'Everybody needs to prepare as a starter.'"
And the Texans will need every member of their roster against Tennessee, with numerous starters expected to miss the game.
Rookie defensive end Will Anderson Jr., linebacker Blake Cashman, and cornerback Tavierre Thomas have all been declared out.
Elsewhere, wideout Nico Collins and right tackle George Fant are both listed as questionable, but not expected to suit up, per KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson.
Wide receiver Noah Brown, guard Shaq Mason, and linebacker Henry To'oto'o are all listed as questionable.
Currently third in the AFC South at 7-6, they remain within one win of the first-placed Jacksonville Jaguars.
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