With a win over the Texans, the Colts would improve to 9-3 on the season. According to Pro Football Focus, at that point, the Colts' playoff chances would sit at 90% -- or make them a near lock. But on the flip side, a loss to Houston and the Colts fall to 8-4, with their playoff chances at 56%.

"Picking up where we left off," Texans wide receiver Nico Collins said of Stroud returning to the lead of the QB rotation in Wednesday's practice. "Going out there and being himself. He looked good out there. Excited to get back."

"Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and nickel Jalen Pitre are both expected to practice today. Both players remain under NFL concussion protocol, progressing toward final stages toward medical clearance for Sunday game against Colts. Both players missed past three games."

The Houston Texans have won three straight thanks largely to a suffocating defense that increasingly has been cranking up the pressure on quarterbacks.

The Texans have won three straight and four of their last five to crawl out of Tennessee’s neighborhood and back into the playoff chase. Adding fuel to their resurgence is the return of Stroud under center following a stint in concussion protocol.

This week, the Indianapolis Colts face the Texans, and Houston quarterback CJ Stroud was listed as a full participant on the Wednesday injury report. Stroud suffered a concussion in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos and has been sidelined for the last three games.

After missing three games with a concussion, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has not yet been cleared to play against Indianapolis.

Suddenly the AFC South is a three-team race. With the Colts (8-3) losing two of three, the door is open for the Jaguars (7-4) and the Texans (6-5). Indianapolis will play both division rivals twice over the final six games,