C.J. Stroud remains sidelined after suffering a concussion on Nov. 2 against Denver. The Houston Texans QB was ruled out for Thursday’s matchup against Buffalo. This marks the third consecutive game Stroud will miss. Backup Davis Mills gets another start for the struggling star.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- C.J. Stroud missed 3 straight games due to concussion protocol
- Davis Mills entered Week 12 with a perfect 2-0 record
- Stroud practiced on Tuesday on a limited basis
- Expected return timeline is Week 13 vs Indianapolis Colts
- Texans sit at 8-2 heading into primetime Thursday matchup
What Happened to Stroud’s Status
Stroud suffered his concussion during Week 9 against the Denver Broncos on Nov. 2. He took a hard hit while attempting to slide on a third-down play. The star Houston QB left the game and did not return. Medical staff immediately ruled him out. Since then, he’s missed Week 10, Week 11, and now Week 12.
“Stroud hasn’t cleared the concussion protocol yet, although he has progressed by practicing Tuesday on a limited basis.” – ESPN
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Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that Stroud remains in the NFL’s strict concussion protocol. The QB returned to practice on Tuesday, Nov. 18. However, this marked only his first activity since the initial injury. Despite progress, he won’t be ready for the Thursday night primetime matchup against Buffalo.
Why This Matters for the Texans
The Buffalo Bills represent a significant challenge for Houston. Josh Allen and Buffalo’s high-powered offense demand full intensity. Missing Stroud puts more pressure on backup Davis Mills. The storyline: Can Mills stay hot long enough?
Mills has exceeded expectations in Stroud’s absence. He’s piloted the Texans to back-to-back victories. Fans have praised his calm demeanor and decision-making. Yet critics note he faced weaker defenses than Buffalo. The Bills defense ranks among the league’s elite. This represents Mills‘ toughest test yet.
The Texans defense is also crucial. They rank top-rated overall. Stopping Allen and running back James Cook could make the difference. Houston’s defense will need to pressure Allen early and often.
Davis Mills’ Recent Performance Record
Since taking over for Stroud, the backup has put up impressive numbers. In his two starts, Mills has completed 566 passing yards with 3 touchdowns and just 1 interception. His 2-0 record speaks volumes about his poise under pressure.
| Stat | Week 10 vs JAX | Week 11 vs TEN |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 292 | 274 |
| Touchdowns | 2 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 0 |
| Result | W | W |
Nico Collins has emerged as Mills‘ top receiving target. Over Mills’ last two games, Collins earned 25 targets with 16 receptions and 228 yards. This connection has proven vital for offensive consistency.
What to Watch For Against Buffalo
Several storylines will shape Thursday night’s contest:
- Davis Mills vs Buffalo’s elite defense—the ultimate test
- Josh Allen and James Cook facing Houston’s top-ranked defense
- Weather conditions—Buffalo in late November can impact passing
- Texans playoff positioning with an 8-2 record on the line
- Possible Stroud return timeline clarity after the game
The Bills sit firmly in playoff contention with Josh Allen orchestrating one of football’s most dynamic offenses. Houston’s defense must stay disciplined and avoid blitzing recklessly into Allen’s mobile chaos creator skillset.
When Will Stroud Return to Action?
Based on multiple reports, Stroud is trending toward a Week 13 return against the Indianapolis Colts. His practice participation on Tuesday represents significant progress. However, the NFL’s concussion protocol has five strict steps players must clear.
The protocol includes: impact assessment testing, limited activity, aerobic exercise, football-specific drills, and progressive team participation. Each step requires medical clearance. Independent neurological experts not affiliated with Houston oversee evaluations. No shortcuts exist for player safety.
If Stroud clears all remaining steps early next week, Week 13 appears realistic. However, the NFL and Texans medical staff prioritize his long-term health over immediate return pressure. Patience will prevail here.
Sources
- ESPN – C.J. Stroud concussion status updates and TNF coverage
- NFL.com – Official injury reports and concussion protocol details
- USA Today – Week 12 predictions and game 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.