Texans rookie C.J. Stroud to miss second game in a row due to concussion, Case Keenum to start against Browns

HOUSTON – Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud remains out with a concussion as he continues to deal with common concussion symptoms, including a sensitivity to light, per league sources.

Stroud was officially ruled out along with defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (high-ankle sprain) and linebacker Blake Cashman (hamstring strain).

And veteran quarterback Case Keenum is set to start against the Cleveland Browns for his second consecutive game with the first-team offense, per sources.

Stroud was not medically cleared and didn’t practice all week.

“He’s doing better, improving,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday. “He’s still in protocol.”

• RELATED: Sources: C.J. Stroud dealing with concussion symptoms, set to miss Browns game, with Case Keenum to start again

Ryans was asked if Stroud could potentially not return this season.

“Oh, why do you say that? Don’t shock me like that,’ Ryans said with a laugh. “Wow. No, we’re going through the protocol. Each person, each concussion is different. Each person, it takes a different amount of time for each person to heal, just like with anything else.

“He’s just going through the protocol just like everyone else has throughout – whenever they’ve been in the concussion protocol. At the end of the day, the most important thing is making sure that C.J. is healthy. When he’s ready to go, he’ll be ready to go. I’ll let you guys know.”

Keenum, 35, led the Texans to a 19-16 overtime win over the Tennessee Titans. He threw a touchdown and passed for 239 yards with one interception returned

“The thing that’s helped Case the most I think is experience,” Ryans said. “When you’ve played the position for such a long time, you have to have that experience. But it’s also that experience that gives you confidence. When you’ve done it multiple times, you’ve seen multiple defenses and how teams try to attack you, nothing should shock Case.

“He’s seen a little bit of everything. He’s calm, he does a great job of operating presnap. Does a great job of commanding the huddle and making the other guys around him better.”

Meanwhile, Texans safety Jimmie Ward, a team captain, took another positive step toward playing Sunday against the Browns. He has practiced two days in a row and is no longer wearing the red non-contact jersey.

Anderson Jr. and Cashman will miss their second consecutive game, per sources, and are not healthy enough to return to practice.

Wide receiver Nico Collins said he’s playing Sunday and has been trending in a positive direction. He is listed as questionable on the injury report, though, due to a strained calf that forced him to miss one game earlier this season.

Collins is the leading receiver on the roster with 60 receptions for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns. His potential return could provide a boost to an offense being led by Keenum again.

Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (hip) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (concussion) are questionable, but sources predict both will play Sunday.

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com