Is C. J. Stroud playing today? Latest on Texans QB for Week 16 game vs Chiefs
C. J. Stroud was the talk of the league in his rookie season. The Ohio State Buckeyes product was in the MVP race for significant parts of 2023, and he was tipped to have an even better season in 2024.
However, Stroud is experiencing the dreaded sophomore slump, and he's currently attempting to guide the Houston Texans to the playoffs. Ahead of Week 16, let's examine Stroud's availability.
Is C. J. Stroud playing today?
Yes, C. J. Stroud is playing in today's game against the back-to-back reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Stroud might have taken more hits than he'd have liked this season, but he's not listed on the injury report ahead of a crucial game for the Texans' playoff hopes.
Hence, the Texans franchise QB is set to face off against the face of the NFL, Patrick Mahomes. It will be a battle between two Pro Bowl-caliber quarterbacks in the stacked AFC.
While Stroud is set to feature, the same cannot be said about at least four of his teammates. According to the Texans' injury report, defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (ankle), wide receiver John Metchie III (shoulder), offensive tackle Juice Scruggs (foot) and tight end Cade Stover (illness) are listed as questionable. Linebacker Christian Harris is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury.
How is C. J. Stroud performing this season?
C. J. Stroud started the season with one of the NFL's most stacked wide receiver rooms. The sophomore star had the luxury of passing the ball to Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell. However, injuries to Diggs and Collins have contributed to some less-than-ideal performances from Stroud in his second year in the league.
Entering Week 16, Stroud has amassed a stat line of 3,248 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has also added 203 rushing yards in 14 games. Stroud will look to put up a solid showing to boost his side's chances of making the playoffs.
The Houston Texans (9-5) are on a two-game winning run, recording wins against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins before and after their bye week, respectively.
They'll have their work cut out against a Kansas City Chiefs side that has lost just one game all season. However, DeMeco Ryans will fancy his troops to visit Arrowhead Stadium and pick up a famous win against arguably the best team of the decade.