CJ Stroud misses his third straight game Thursday night due to concussion complications. Davis Mills returns to lead the Houston Texans against the Buffalo Bills on November 20, 2025. Mills has won both starts since taking over, keeping Houston’s playoff hopes alive. The matchup kicks off at 8:15 PM ET on Prime Video.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Stroud suffered concussion in Week 9 vs Denver Broncos and won’t play
- Davis Mills is 2-0 as starter with 274 yards in recent win vs Titans
- Buffalo Bills (7-3) are 6-point favorites over Texans (5-5)
- Game features Josh Allen vs top-ranked Texans defense ranked first
- Thursday Night Football at NRG Stadium in Houston on Nov. 20
What Happened: Stroud Out Again, Mills Carries On
CJ Stroud won’t suit up for Thursday Night Football as the Texans announced the concussion will sideline him again. Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the decision on Tuesday, November 18. Stroud has been going through the league’s concussion protocol and showed progress returning to practice.
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The quarterback took a hard hit during Week 9‘s 18-15 loss to the Denver Broncos and hasn’t played since. Missing three consecutive weeks means Davis Mills will handle the signal-calling role. Mills steps up after leading the Texans to consecutive victories against strong opponents.
“Mills will make a third straight start as Stroud remains in the league’s concussion protocol.”
Why This Matters: Mills Must Prove His Worth
With Stroud sidelined indefinitely, Davis Mills has become essential to Houston’s season. The Texans sit at 5-5 in a competitive AFC South race. Every win counts as the team fights for playoff positioning.
Mills has silenced doubts by winning both games since taking over. He completed 26-of-41 passes for 274 yards and a touchdown in the recent 16-13 victory over the Titans. Now he faces a stout Bills defense built to pressure backups. The Texans need Mills to keep the magic rolling.
The Details: One of Week 12’s Biggest Matchups
This Thursday Night Football clash features two teams fighting for playoff survival. The Bills bring Josh Allen, who’s chasing the career quarterback rushing touchdown record. The Texans counter with a defense ranked first overall in total defense allowing just 258.1 yards per game.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen has a chance to set history Thursday night. The Texans defense has been exceptional this season. Here’s what the matchup features:
| Category | Houston Texans | Buffalo Bills |
| Record | 5-5 | 7-3 |
| Starting QB | Davis Mills (2-0) | Josh Allen |
| Defense Rank | 1st Total Defense | Defensive leaders |
| Spread | +6 (Underdog) | -6 (Favorite) |
| Game Time | 8:15 PM ET, Thursday, Nov. 20 on Prime Video | |
The Texans expect Mills to handle the pressure of facing an elite defensive squad. Houston’s own defense will need to contain Allen’s dual-threat capabilities. Both teams are fighting hard to solidify their playoff resumes.
What To Watch For: Can Mills Keep Rolling?
Several storylines deserve your attention in this Thursday night showdown:
- Davis Mills seeks his third straight win to prove backup viability
- Josh Allen chases the all-time QB rushing touchdown record Thursday
- Texans home-field advantage in NRG Stadium (home teams 8-3 on TNF)
- Buffalo’s defense tries to exploit Mills and the Texans offense
- Stroud’s status for future weeks remains unclear post-concussion
The Bills enter as 6-point favorites, but Houston’s defensive prowess makes this competitive. Mills getting his third start against tough competition would boost his stock significantly.
Will Davis Mills’ Cinderella Story Continue Against Buffalo?
Davis Mills has already exceeded expectations since CJ Stroud went down. Can he stay perfect and lead the Texans to 6-5? The Bills present his toughest test yet.
Mills has thrived in low-pressure situations with no pressure to be franchise savior. His composure and decision-making in recent starts have been solid. Now, facing Josh Allen and elite Buffalo defense tests his mettle further.
Houston’s team rallies around Mills as he fulfills the backup quarterback role beautifully. If he can slow Allen and manage the Bills pass rush, Houston stays competitive in the AFC South playoff race. Who wins this Thursday night battle?
Sources
- NFL.com – Official quarterback status reporting and game announcements
- ESPN – Game analysis, odds, and player performance statistics
- CBS Sports – Injury updates and starter confirmation reporting
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.