The Houston Texans faced significant repercussions in their Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos, resulting in more than just a loss on the scoreboard.
NFL Decides Punishment for Broncos CB After Injury to Texans’ CJ Stroud
Key events transpired early in the second quarter when Texans’ star quarterback C.J. Stroud suffered a concussion. He was hit by Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine while attempting to slide during a scrambling play.
The Incident
Stroud had clearly given himself up, but Abrams-Draine delivered a forceful shoulder-to-chest hit. The collision caused Stroud’s head to bounce off the turf, a moment that raised immediate concerns.
- Stroud exited the game after the hit.
- Abrams-Draine was initially penalized for unnecessary roughness.
- The penalty was later overturned upon video review, which deemed the hit legal.
Reaction from Coaches
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans publicly disagreed with the decision to overturn the penalty. He expressed his feelings regarding the safety of quarterbacks during post-game interviews.
“As I see it, it’s unnecessary roughness when you hit the quarterback when he’s sliding,” Ryans stated. He referred to similar incidents in which his players were penalized and emphasized the challenge of losing a starting quarterback.
Impact of the Injury
Due to the concussion he sustained, Stroud has been ruled out for the upcoming Week 10 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
NFL’s Disciplinary Actions
Despite the circumstances surrounding Stroud’s injury, the NFL decided not to impose a fine on Abrams-Draine following the incident. In the release of disciplinary actions for Week 9, there were penalties for two Texans players instead:
- Azeez Al-Shaair: Fined $17,389 for unnecessary roughness (hit on a defenseless player).
- Xavier Hutchinson: Fined $5,949 for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting).
The decision not to fine Abrams-Draine raises questions about consistency in officiating and player safety protocols in the league.
As the Texans prepare for their next game, the focus remains on their ability to adapt without their starting quarterback. The ramifications of the hit will likely resonate beyond the field, sparking discussions on the protection of quarterbacks in the NFL.
