By this point in the season every team is dealing with injuries. And while the Cleveland Browns have had their fair share – most notably to the quarterback position where four different players have started – their Week 16 opponent, Houston, is dealing with similar injury issues.
Like the Browns, the Texans will be starting a backup quarterback on Sunday after rookie phenom C.J. Stroud failed to clear the league’s concussion protocol in time to play. It will be the second straight week the Ohio State product misses a game due to a concussion sustained nearly two weeks ago in a blowout loss to the Jets.
In his place, it will be journeyman, backup Case Keenum starting under center against his former team in Cleveland. In relief of Stroud last weekend, Keenum comoleted 63-percent of his passes for 229 yards, a touchdown and an interception in a win over Tennessee.
The 35-year-old also orchestrated a fierce comeback effort to beat the Titans, leading a touchdown drive with just over three minutes to go in regulation to tie the game at 16. Then getting the Texans in field goal range in overtime for Ka’imi Fairburn to knock home a game-winning field goal.
Along with Stroud, Houston also ruled out fellow rookie, defensive end Will Anderson Jr. as well as linebacker Blake Cashman . Top receiver Nico Collins is listed as questionable for the Texans.
Meanwhile, the Browns have ruled out five players of their own ahead of Sunday, as linebackers Jordan Kunaszyk and Anthony Walker Jr. , defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo and safety Juan Thornhill . All-Pro guard, Joel Bitonio is listed as questionable after battling a back injury this week.
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