Texans without Stroud, Collins, Anderson, Fant vs Titans; team starts Keenum at QB

Updated Dec. 17, 2023 1:21 p.m. ET

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Houston Texans will be trying to stay on the AFC playoff bubble Sunday without their rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, their top wide receiver and another top rookie.

The Texans ruled out C.J. Stroud, who did not practice all week, on Friday with the No. 2 pick overall not practicing all week and unable to clear the concussion protocol. They also had ruled out defensive end Will Anderson, the No. 3 pick overall.

But wide receiver Nico Collins, who has had a career-high 1,004 yards receiving this season, was ruled inactive Sunday. He had been questionable with a calf injury. They also ruled out offensive tackle George Tant, who had been questionable with an injured hip. He did not travel with the Texans.

The Texans had been expected to start Davis Mills for the first time this season. Instead, first-year coach DeMeco Ryans went with veteran Case Keenum, giving him his first start since the final week of the 2021 season when he led Cleveland to a win over Cincinnati.

Keenum completed his first throw for 6 yards, but Houston went three-and-out to open the game.

Houston (7-6) has lost two of three and sits just outside the AFC's seventh and final playoff spot. The Texans visit Tennessee (5-8) on Sunday. The Titans are wearing their Oilers' throwbacks for the second time this season against the team that replaced them in Houston.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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