Davis Mills gets another start as the Houston Texans prepare for Week 12 action. C.J. Stroud remains sidelined with a concussion suffered in Week 9. Mills is 2-0 in his two most recent starts. The matchup against the Buffalo Bills airs Thursday night.
Woody Marks suffers leg injury in third quarter vs Bills, uncertain status
Liga MX Femenil: Club América faces Tigres in championship final, both seeking Apertura crown
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Davis Mills makes his third consecutive start for Houston.
- C.J. Stroud has been ruled out, missing his third game.
- Stroud suffered a concussion in Week 9 vs the Denver Broncos.
- Mills is 2-0 in his recent starts with game-winning drives.
- Game airs Thursday on NFL Network and Amazon Prime Video.
Stroud’s Absence: The Concussion Protocol
C.J. Stroud took a devastating hit during Houston’s Week 9 matchup against Denver. The injury happened when Stroud scrambled on a third-and-8 play. He left the game and did not return.
Senators vs Ducks clash features Pacific Division leader Anaheim on 6-game home win streak
Rider faces No. 2 Houston in college basketball matchup
According to ESPN, Stroud has remained in the NFL’s concussion protocol. The quarterback returned to practice on November 18 but wasn’t cleared to play. Medical staff are being cautious with Houston’s star signal-caller.
This marks the third consecutive game without Stroud. He missed Week 10 against Jacksonville and Week 11 against Tennessee. The Texans insisted on taking the conservative approach with his recovery.
Davis Mills Steps Into the Spotlight
When Stroud went down, many questioned whether Davis Mills could handle the responsibility. The backup hasn’t disgraced himself—he’s impressed.
Mills led the Texans to stunning victories in both starts. Against Jacksonville in Week 10, Houston overcame a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The final score was 36-29 in favor of the Texans. Mills engineered multiple scoring drives to complete the improbable comeback.
In Week 11 against Tennessee, Mills delivered again with a last-second victory. He’s proven he can manage the offense when given the chance. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has shown confidence in the backup.
Mills signed a one-year, $7 million extension with Houston in September. The deal was designed to keep him as Stroud’s backup through the season. Now he’s earning his pay during this critical stretch.
What the Depth Chart Looks Like
The Texans offense remains largely intact despite quarterback changes.
| Position | Starter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Davis Mills | Starting for third straight game |
| Wide Receiver | Nico Collins | Primary target for Mills |
| Running Back | Joe Mixon / Woody Marks | Marks has seen increased carries |
| Tight End | Dalton Schultz | Key blocking role |
The receiving corps has performed well. Nico Collins remains Houston’s top target. Woody Marks has taken on a larger role in the backfield recently.
Can Mills Beat the Bills?
Thursday brings one of the toughest tests yet. The Buffalo Bills are formidable opponents led by Josh Allen. Buffalo has one of the league’s best defenses.
Vegas favors Buffalo by a significant margin. The odds reflect Houston’s injuries and backup quarterback situation. Mills will face pressure from one of the top defensive units.
However, Mills has proven resilient under pressure. His two wins came against decent teams. The Jacksonville comeback showed poise under fire. Maybe lightning strikes again?
When Will Stroud Return?
The million-dollar question remains unanswered. Stroud hasn’t been cleared yet from concussion protocol. No official timeline has been provided by the Texans.
Typically, NFL concussion protocol takes 5-7 days minimum. Since Stroud was injured in Week 9, he could potentially be ready soon. But the team won’t rush his recovery.
Coach Ryans emphasized caution repeatedly. Stroud’s long-term health matters more than one game. If Mills continues winning, Houston might keep both quarterbacks healthy.
Sources
- NFL.com – Official injury reports and game coverage
- ESPN – Concussion protocol updates and analysis
- USA Today Sports – Depth chart and backup QB coverage
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.