C.J. Stroud Returns to Practice for the Texans

The starting quarterback was back with his teammates working during the Wednesday practice

C.J. Stroud has returned to practice for the Houston Texans. This is yet another step in his quest to clear concussion protocol.

He warmed up with his teammates, threw the ball lightly with the other quarterbacks, and finally participated in individual drills throwing to the running backs, wideouts, and tight ends.

That was the extent allowed to be observed by the media.

The official injury report released this afternoon will determine his official status for the practice. The potential for him to be limited exists, but even that wouldn’t concern me for Sunday’s status.

DeMeco Ryans revealed at his press conference that Stroud was in phase four of the concussion protocol.

Phase four is described as “The player continues cardiovascular, strength and balance training, team-based sports-specific exercise, and participates in non-contact football activities (e.g. throwing, catching, running, and other position-specific activities). Neurocognitive and balance testing should be completed no later than the end of Phase Four with the results interpreted as back to baseline.”

Phase five is defined as “Upon clearance by the Club physician for full football activity involving contact, the player must be examined by the Independent Neurological Consultant (INC) assigned to his Club. If the INC concurs with the Club physician that the player’s concussion has resolved, he may participate in his Club’s next practice or game.”

Here are other practice notables based on what was observed during the open portion of practice.

• Blake Cashman returned to practice after missing time with a hamstring injury.

• Will Anderson was observing practice but didn’t look to be participating as he recovers from an ankle injury.

• Nico Collins was practicing.

• Robert Woods was present at practice and doing light work.

• Dalton Schultz was practicing.

• Left tackle Laremy Tunsil was not practicing. He typically has Wednesday practices off.

• George Fant was practicing.

• Shaq Mason was present but didn’t look to be practicing.

• I didn’t see Jonathan Greenard.

• Kareem Jackson, who was claimed off waivers, was at practice and wearing 22. In his previous stint with the Texans, he wore 25, but Desmond King is currently 25.

I will add the official injury report when it is released by the Texans this afternoon.