Texans Rule Out C.J. Stroud for Week 10 Clash vs. Jaguars

The Houston Texans will be without quarterback C.J. Stroud this Sunday when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars, as the second-year signal-caller continues to recover from a concussion suffered last week against the Denver Broncos. Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that Stroud, who hit his head on the turf after a hard tackle, has shown improvement but remains in the league’s concussion protocol.

“C.J. is feeling a little bit better,” Ryans told reporters Wednesday. “But we’re going to continue to monitor his progress.” That progress, however, wasn’t enough for medical clearance ahead of a key AFC South matchup. Instead, Davis Mills will get the start under center.

Mills, who served as Houston’s starting quarterback for two seasons before Stroud’s arrival, will step into a familiar role. Ryans expressed confidence in the veteran backup’s readiness, emphasizing his experience and command of the offense. “He’s started games in this league before, so there’s nothing new for him,” Ryans said.

The Texans enter Week 10 with a 3–5 record, looking to regain momentum after a stretch of uneven play. Stroud’s absence marks a temporary setback for a team still trying to find rhythm under Ryans’ leadership and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s system.

1. Davis Mills Takes Over the Offense

For Davis Mills, this opportunity represents both a return and a test. The Stanford product, drafted in the third round in 2021, started 26 games across his first two seasons in Houston, compiling 5,802 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. While his record as a starter (5–19–1) reflects the franchise’s rebuilding phase, Mills’ familiarity with the playbook could prove valuable. Mills has appeared sparingly since Stroud became the starter but has completed limited snaps efficiently, tallying 385 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Houston’s coaching staff has praised his poise and professionalism, particularly in practice this week. Ryans highlighted the benefit of Mills taking full first-team reps throughout the week — something backup quarterbacks rarely experience. “He did an outstanding job,” Ryans said. “We were efficient in and out of the huddle, and his communication at the line was excellent.” For Mills, the assignment is straightforward: manage the game, protect the football, and keep the offense balanced. “That’s what I get paid to do — be prepared,” Mills said. “It’s nice having a full week of practice to attack this defense and go compete with the guys.”

2. Houston’s Offensive Outlook Without Stroud

The Texans’ offense has leaned heavily on Stroud’s efficiency this season. The young quarterback ranks 12th in QBR (64.8) — a career best — and has thrown for 1,702 yards and 11 touchdowns. Despite his strong play, Houston still ranks 24th in scoring offense (21 points per game), a figure they’ll aim to improve upon with Mills at the helm. Mills’ ability to quickly read defenses and maintain rhythm will be critical against a Jacksonville defense known for pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is expected to emphasize short, high-percentage throws and lean on the running game led by Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary to alleviate pressure on Mills. In a strategic sense, Mills’ calm presence could help stabilize Houston’s attack, but it remains unclear how dynamic the passing game will be without Stroud’s improvisational ability. The Texans’ young receiving corps — headlined by Nico Collins and Tank Dell — will need to step up to sustain drives and avoid the drops that have plagued them in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Stroud’s recovery remains the top priority. Ryans reiterated that the organization will not rush its franchise quarterback back onto the field. “We’re going to take it one day at a time,” Ryans said. “His health comes first.”

3. Divisional Stakes Heighten the Pressure

Sunday’s contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars (5–3) carries major implications for Houston’s playoff hopes. The Texans, sitting third in the AFC South, trail both the Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts (7–2). A loss would drop Houston to 3–6, placing them in a difficult position for potential wild-card contention. The Texans also have the added motivation of avenging their Week 3 loss to Jacksonville. Being swept by a division rival would further complicate tiebreaker scenarios later in the season. For Mills, the challenge mirrors his last start — a game in January 2023 against Indianapolis, when he threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns, including a dramatic game-winning two-point conversion to Jordan Akins. That final play cost Houston the top pick in the 2023 draft, which ironically led to them drafting Stroud at No. 2 overall. Now, Mills finds himself back in the spotlight, with a chance to help stabilize the same franchise he once led through its toughest years. Earlier this year, Mills signed a $7 million extension through 2026, signaling the team’s confidence in him as a reliable backup. “It’s a next-man-up league,” he said. “I’m ready to compete and do my part to help us win.”