C.J. Stroud’s status for Sunday’s game against the Browns is in doubt

After missing the Houston Texans’ Week 15 game against the Tennessee Titans, quarterback C.J. Stroud is “likely to miss a second straight game,” according to ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime. Stroud suffered a concussion after getting taken down late against the New York Jets in Week 14.

The report also noted that Houston signed quarterback Tim Boyle to the practice squad Tuesday, usually a sign that a team is down a quarterback.

Case Keenum started in Stroud’s place in the 19-16 overtime win against the Titans Sunday. He threw for 229 yards, one touchdown and one interception in his first start since the 2021 season. The test becomes trickier this week against a 9-5 Cleveland Browns team with one of the best passing defenses in the NFL.

The 8-6 Texans are on the outside looking in for the playoff race. A win over the Browns would do a lot for their playoff chances while a loss would make it even harder, but not impossible. The New York Times’ playoff odds simulator gives Houston a 75 percent chance to make the postseason with a win Sunday and a 34 percent chance with a loss. As it stands the data says Houston has a 58 percent chance to make the playoffs and a 23 percent chance to win the AFC South.

Nico Collins also was injured (calf) against the Jets. The wide receiver currently leads Houston in receptions (60) and yards (1,004) and would be a massive help for the 35-year-old quarterback. Noah Brown was Keenum’s top target against Tennessee, catching 8-of-11 targets for 82 yards and a touchdown.

The Joe Flacco-led Browns have won two straight over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears. Cleveland and the Texans play in Houston at 12 p.m. CST Sunday.