C.J. Stroud Ruled Out Again as Texans Turn to Davis Mills for Titans Matchup

The Houston Texans will be without C.J. Stroud for a second consecutive week as the Pro Bowl quarterback continues to recover from a concussion suffered earlier this month. Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed Thursday that Stroud has not yet been cleared, extending his absence as the team prepares for a key divisional road game in Tennessee.

Stroud’s injury presents a familiar challenge for Houston, which has experienced this scenario once before during his rookie year. The quarterback’s availability has become a central storyline as the Texans try to maintain momentum in a crowded AFC playoff field.

In Stroud’s place, backup Davis Mills steps into the starting role once again. Mills delivered an impressive performance in Week 10, guiding Houston to a dramatic second-half comeback over Jacksonville and reminding the organization of the value of veteran depth at the position.

As the Texans navigate Stroud’s recovery timeline, their short turnaround before Week 12 adds another layer of complication, raising questions about how soon their franchise quarterback can realistically return to action.

1. Stroud’s Concussion Keeps Him Sidelined

Stroud’s absence this week stems from a concussion sustained during the Texans’ Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The injury occurred on a third-down scramble when Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine lunged into Stroud as he began his slide, causing his head to whip against the turf. Since that play, Stroud has not practiced, a sign of the team’s caution as he works through the league’s concussion protocol. Houston has not established a firm timetable for his return, instead emphasizing player safety and long-term health. This marks the second time in Stroud’s three-year career that he has been sidelined for multiple games due to a concussion. During his rookie season in 2023, a similar injury forced him to miss two late-season contests against Tennessee and Cleveland. With Stroud’s status still uncertain for Week 12 — a Thursday night game against Buffalo — his recovery remains one of the Texans’ most closely watched developments.

2. Mills Steps Up After Strong Return

With Stroud unavailable, Davis Mills will make his second straight start, once again taking on an important workload in the Texans’ offense. His surprise Week 10 performance provided Houston with a significant boost, helping the team erase a 19-point deficit in a 36–29 win over Jacksonville. Mills threw two touchdown passes in the comeback, showing poise and command despite it being his first start in over two years. His 14-yard touchdown run with 31 seconds remaining sealed the win and capped one of the Texans’ most resilient efforts of the season. Coaches and teammates praised Mills for his preparation, noting that his familiarity with the system allowed him to step in seamlessly when needed. His performance also reaffirmed his value as a dependable veteran option behind Stroud. Facing the Titans on Sunday, Mills will have another chance to steady the Texans’ offense while the team awaits the return of its franchise quarterback.

3. Texans Manage Short-Term Needs With Long-Term View

Houston enters Sunday’s matchup at 4–5, still positioned to make a push in the AFC despite recent injuries. Stroud’s absence places greater emphasis on the team’s supporting cast and game management, particularly with the challenge of a divisional opponent on the road. The team remains focused on balancing competitive urgency with caution regarding Stroud’s health. With a short week ahead before facing the Buffalo Bills on “Thursday Night Football,” the Texans’ training and medical staff will have limited time to reintegrate Stroud even if his symptoms improve. For now, Ryans and his staff continue to emphasize patience, avoiding unnecessary risks with a player viewed as central to the franchise’s long-term plans. The Texans recognize that Stroud’s availability later in the season — especially during the playoff race — could be more valuable than an accelerated return. While uncertainty lingers around Stroud’s timetable, Houston aims to remain competitive behind Mills, leaning on its depth and resilience as it navigates a challenging stretch of the schedule.