Texans Rule Out CJ Stroud for Thursday Night Clash With Bills

The Houston Texans find themselves in a pivotal stretch of the season, battling to stay afloat in the AFC playoff race while navigating the absence of their franchise quarterback. At 5–5, Houston enters a nationally televised matchup against the Buffalo Bills with postseason implications for both teams. But once again, the Texans will be forced to rely on their backup under center.

CJ Stroud, who has been sidelined since suffering a concussion in Week 9, will not play Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The third-year quarterback remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, making him ineligible to participate just days before the primetime game.

Davis Mills, who has stepped in for Stroud over the past several weeks, will start his third straight game as Houston looks to keep momentum in a tightly packed conference standings. While Stroud’s absence is a setback, the Texans have managed to stay competitive behind Mills.

There is a small sign of progress, however: Stroud is expected to return to practice on Tuesday. Though he has yet to clear protocol, the team believes he could be on track for a Week 13 return if his recovery continues smoothly.

1. Stroud’s Status and Season to Date

Stroud’s injury came during a controversial hit in Week 9 that forced him out of the game and into the concussion protocol, where he has remained since. His absence has halted what had been shaping up as another strong season for the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Before the injury, Stroud had thrown for 1,702 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions across eight games, continuing to provide stability and poise at the position. He remained the focal point of Houston’s offensive identity and the primary driver of the team’s playoff aspirations. The Texans were cautious with his recovery from the outset, ensuring that he would not return until fully cleared. While missing another game is disappointing for the organization, Stroud’s anticipated return to practice this week signals a positive step. Still, with Houston in the thick of the AFC race, every missed opportunity matters. His status beyond Week 12 will be closely monitored as the Texans look to make a legitimate push in December.

2. Mills Keeps Texans Afloat

Though not viewed as a long-term starter, Davis Mills has given the Texans exactly what they needed: stability. The former starter has helped Houston to a 2–0 record over the last two games, keeping the team competitive despite a major loss at quarterback. In four appearances this season, Mills has thrown for 726 yards with three touchdowns, one interception, and a 60 percent completion rate. His steady play has prevented the Texans’ season from slipping away and has allowed the coaching staff to maintain confidence in the offense. Mills is no stranger to the role. He served as Houston’s starting quarterback throughout the 2021 and 2022 seasons, throwing for 3,117 yards with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his final year before Stroud arrived. While the Texans undoubtedly want Stroud back as soon as possible, Mills’ experience and composure have kept the team competitive. With a crucial matchup ahead, he will once again have the opportunity to steady the offense under pressure.

3. A High-Stakes Thursday Night in Buffalo

Thursday’s showdown with the Bills arrives at a crucial time for both teams. Houston is fighting to stay relevant in the AFC playoff race at 5–5, while Buffalo is desperate to regain footing after an uneven first half of the season. The outcome could shape the postseason picture for both sides. Even without Stroud, the Texans know what is at stake. Mills will have to balance efficiency with aggression against a Bills defense known for its physicality and opportunistic tendencies. Houston’s own defense, meanwhile, will be tasked with containing Buffalo’s high-powered attack. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET, bringing added national attention to a game with tangible late-season implications. The Texans remain optimistic that Stroud could return the following week, but for now, they must continue to lean on Mills. If Houston can escape Buffalo with a win, they’ll remain firmly in contention while giving their franchise quarterback more time to recover. If not, their margin for error in the playoff chase will shrink considerably.