Texans brace for C.J. Stroud injury concerns

C.J. Stroud took off to run on third down.

As he approached the first-down marker, he slid, and that's when trouble started.

A Denver Broncos defender flew in to take down the Houston Texans' third-year QB.

The hit crushed the sliding Stroud, drawing a penalty (which was eventually waved off).

The impact drove Stroud's head violently against the ground.

Stroud stayed on the ground. Eventually, he gave a thumbs up to the crowd as he walked off to the blue medical tent.

From there, Stroud made his way to the locker room with trainers. He was officially entered into concussion protocol.

The Texans declared Stroud unavailable for the remainder of the game during the early stages of the second half.

MORE: The rookie tight end, Tyler Warren, boasts impressive hair as just one of his many great qualities.

The Texans' backup quarterback is Davis Mills, and he has proven that he can step in and play solidly when given the chance. Mills was in to start Houston's next drive.

But all concern goes immediately to Stroud.

Sure, Stroud hasn't been perfect after a great rookie season. Years two and three haven't yet lived up to the hype generated by that first campaign.

But Stroud is still one of the league's best young quarterbacks, and he's the player the Texans have built their entire roster around.

If Stroud is forced to miss time, everything changes in a hurry for Houston.

Texans fans will be hoping it isn't as bad as it initially looked.

Additional NFL updates:

• Romeo Doubs' Guardian Cap will have a new appearance in Week 9.
• Why the Titans Ought to Spend $113 Million on Tyreek Hill
• The Bills' need for a wide receiver like A.J. Brown carries a negative precedent set by Amari Cooper.
• The Indianapolis Colts, currently at a 7-1 record, must consider acquiring a new quarterback.
• The Packers have a single, obvious weakness they need to address before the NFL trade deadline.
• Patriots have 3 reasons to trade for a RB