C.J.Stroud

News: 8 hours agoStroud (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday.

Spin: Stroud hasn't practiced since entering concussion protocol during a 30-6 loss to the Jets in Week 14, and multiple reports his Tuesday suggested he's unlikely to play in the upcoming game Sunday against Cleveland. There's still time for the rookie to progress through protocol, but it isn't looking good for Week 16 at this point. The Texans seem to be preparing Case Keenum for another start.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Stroud was selected with the No. 2 pick of April's draft. The 6-foot-3, super-accurate Ohio State product was nothing short of elite at OSU, pacing this year's rookie class in completion rate (69%), YPA (9.8), catchable pass rate (81%), QB rating (181) and total QBR (90.3) during his 28 appearances. Stroud's fantasy upside could be limited by a lack of rushing (55-321-1 career rushing line, excluding sacks), and there's not a ton to love about his supporting cast here in 2023 (Nico Collins and Robert Woods are Houston's top WRs). The 21-year-old will learn on the job this season and will be a potential breakout player in 2024.