CJ Stroud stats return to action Sunday as the Houston Texans look to capitalize on momentum against the Indianapolis Colts. After missing three games due to concussion protocol, the young quarterback aims to keep Houston’s playoff hopes alive in a crucial AFC South matchup.
🔥 Quick Facts
- CJ Stroud has been cleared from concussion protocol and will start Sunday, November 30 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
- The Texans (6-5) are two games behind the Colts (8-3) in the AFC South race with two matchups remaining between the teams
- Stroud sat out three games while Davis Mills went 3-0, allowing Houston to stay in playoff contention despite the injury
- The Texans defense allows 264.3 yards per game, the fewest in the entire NFL this season
Return Marks Critical Moment for Texans’ Division Push
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Head coach DeMeco Ryans announced Friday that Stroud cleared all NFL concussion protocol requirements and would reclaim the starting role against the Colts. The 24-year-old quarterback missed Week 10 through Week 12 after sustaining the injury against the Denver Broncos in Week 9.
Stroud expressed relief to return to the field after watching his team’s impressive three-game winning streak from the sideline. “I’m just grateful to be back finally,” the third-year quarterback stated in comments released by ESPN. “I’m grateful for all the prayers.” The timing couldn’t be better—Houston sits just two games behind Indianapolis in the division standings, and this marks one of two remaining head-to-head opportunities this season.
Season Statistics and Performance Before Injury
| Stat | CJ Stroud 2025 |
| Passing Yards | 1,702 yards |
| Touchdowns | 11 (ranked tied-23rd) |
| Interceptions | 5 (ranked tied-57th) |
| Completion Percentage | 66.5% |
| QBR (Total Quarterback Rating) | 65.8 (ranked tied-7th) |
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Before the concussion forced him to the sideline, Stroud posted solid numbers through nine weeks of the season. His 66.5% completion rate indicates efficiency in Ryans’ system, establishing the Texans’ passing game as a reliable foundation. The quarterback’s 65.8 QBR ranks among the league’s elite decision-makers.
Backup Davis Mills Keeps Texans Afloat with Impressive Three-Game Run
While Stroud recovered, backup Davis Mills delivered a masterclass in situational football. The veteran backup orchestrated two game-winning drives during his three-game stint, including wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. Mills compiled 879 passing yards, 5 touchdowns and just 1 interception across the stretch, keeping Houston competitive despite losing to Denver in the game when Stroud was injured.
That 3-0 record while Stroud was sidelined transformed Houston’s season outlook. Instead of sliding further from playoff contention, the Texans actually moved closer to fighting for a division title. The backup’s stellar performance—particularly two late-game heroics—proved the team’s roster depth and elevating Houston to the No. 8 seed in playoff positioning.
Jalen Pitre Also Returns to Bolster Elite Defense
Beyond Stroud’s return, the Texans welcome back safety Jalen Pitre, who missed three games with his own concussion injury. The defensive star’s return magnifies Houston’s defensive capabilities heading into Indianapolis.
The Texans defense already sets the standard across the NFL—allowing just 264.3 yards per game (best in league) and 16.5 points per game (second-best). Adding Pitre back into the secondary only strengthens an already league-leading unit. This defensive advantage becomes critical against the Colts, who have maintained first-place standing throughout the season.
What Does a Texans Win Mean for the AFC South Race?
Victory Sunday would narrow a currently two-game AFC South gap to just one game with five weeks remaining. The division remains wide open, with the Jaguars (7-4) sitting just one game back as well. Multiple scenarios could still emerge as football powers its way through the final stretch of the season.
However, Houston facing steep playoff odds shouldn’t be overlooked—ESPN Analytics shows the Texans have just a 38% chance to make the postseason. But history offers a compelling precedent: the 2018 Texans remain the only team in the 14-team playoff format era to make the playoffs after starting 0-3. If anyone knows the formula for climbing back into contention, it’s this franchise.
Sources
- ESPN – Texans QB Stroud cleared concussion protocol ahead of Week 13
- NFL.com – Official concussion protocol clearance and game details
- Fox Sports – AFC South standings and week 13 matchup analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.