C.J. Stroud goes into concussion protocol after Houston Texans quarterback's head slams into the turf in Jets game at MetLife Stadium

CJ Stroud has entered the NFL's concussion protocol after banging his head onto the turf in the Texans' 30-6 blowout loss to the Jets on Sunday.

He left the game in the fourth quarter with the Texans trailing 24-6. He was examined in the team's medical tent before heading back to Houston's locker room.

An encouraging sign to Texans fans will be that the 22-year-old quarterback got back to his feet on his own after a sack from Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

Texans backup QB Davis Mills came into the game with a little over six-and-a-half minutes to go at MetLife Stadium. 

Stroud was under constant pressure from the Jets' defensive front throughout most of Sunday's game. Prior to his exit, he was sacked four times for a loss of 38 yards. He completed 10 of 23 passes for 91 yards.

If Stroud's injury proves to be serious for the Texans, then it'll be a huge blow to the team's playoff chances. Houston ranks third in the AFC South after this weekend's game. The Texans are competing for a wild card spot, but hold the same record as the Indianapolis Colts (7-6). 

Speaking of which, the Colts also lost on Sunday, albeit to the Bengals, in a boost to Houston's postseason hopes. 

Stroud has been monumentally influential for his team's postseason contention, as he's not only revealed himself as one of the league's best quarterbacks but is also the overwhelming favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

His head injury is another cause for concern for the Texans.

Houston's passing game has already lost wide receiver Tank Dell to a season-ending fractured fibula last week, and saw receiver Nico Collins leave Sunday's game vs. the Jets with a calf injury.

The Texans will next matchup against the Tennessee Titans before going up against the Cleveland Browns on Christmas Eve. 

They'll be hoping to have Stroud back for both of those games.