(Photo credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images)

The Houston Texans got promising news on Wednesday as quarterback C.J. Stroud was a full participant at practice after missing the last three games because of a concussion.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Stroud remains in concussion protocol and will start Sunday's game at AFC Central-leading Indianapolis (8-3) if he clears.

'C.J. (Stroud) has been our starter when he's out there,' Ryans said. 'He's played well for us. He's done some really nice things when it comes to delivering the football where it needs to be. He's one of the best in the league at doing that. So, we're hoping that he gets back, so he can get out there and help us.'

Stroud, 24, practiced just once last week -- and it was in a limited capacity on Thursday. He sustained the concussion in Houston's 18-15 loss to the Denver Broncos on Nov. 2. In his absence, Davis Mills has led the Texans (6-5) to three wins in as many starts to bring the team back into playoff contention after an 0-3 start.

Houston is one game behind the Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills, the teams who currently hold the AFC wild-card spots with 7-4 records.

Stroud has 1,702 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in eight starts this season. Mills has completed 58.7% of his passes for 879 yards, five touchdowns and one interception in five games (three starts) this season.

Safety Jalen Pitre, who also is in concussion protocol, was limited at practice Wednesday, as was offensive tackle Trent Brown (hand).

Offensive tackle Blake Fisher (illness), linebacker Jamal Hill (hamstring), cornerback Ajani Carter (hamstring) and defensive end Denico Autry (knee) did not practice.

--Field Level Media