Texans Rule Out C.J. Stroud For Week 10

Suffering a concussion during the Texans’ Week 9 loss to the Broncos, C.J. Stroud will not make an immediate return. DeMeco Ryans confirmed (via KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson) his quarterback will miss Week 10.

Ryans ruling Stroud out at the start of his team’s practice week is certainly notable, as concussion protocol steps are in place to make a potential return possible. But the NFL has beefed up its standards for returning from head injuries. The Jaguars will face Davis Mills on Sunday.

A Kris Abrams-Draine hit on Stroud, initially ruled a penalty before the flag was picked up, led to the third-year quarterback’s concussion. The Texans dropped an 18-15 result, with neither quarterback able to punch in a touchdown against Denver’s formidable defense. Mills struggled particularly on third downs, with the Texans just 3-for-17 in that area. They missed on 14 of their final 15 third-down tries, as Mills had not been called upon to make a start for a while in Houston.

The Texans turned to then-backup Case Keenum during a two-game Stroud injury absence — due to a concussion — but saw the veteran passer sidelined throughout the 2024 season because of injury. Stroud, though, started all 17 games last season and took the field in both Houston postseason contests. Keenum joined the Bears in free agency this offseason, leaving Mills as the solo Texans backup. The team extended the former third-round pick in September.

During the Deshaun Watson healthy-scratch season, Mills was the Texans’ primary starter. That remained the case after the team dealt Watson to Cleveland for a historic bounty in 2022. Mills has made 26 career starts, going 5-19-1 (albeit with lower-end rosters in those years). He will receive at least one more this season, thanks to Stroud’s second documented concussion as a pro.

Mills was 17 of 30 for 156 yards against the Broncos, averaging just 4.6 per pass. Extension-eligible in January 2026, Stroud has seen his stock dip — as O-line and wide receiver issues have cropped up during the past two seasons — since his Offensive Rookie of the Year season. But Mills’ insufficient Week 9 relief effort certainly hindered Houston’s effort in a winnable game. At 3-5, the Texans suddenly need their former starter to come up with a win over the Jags. Stroud will move through the protocol this week, but his next chance to play will come against the Titans in Week 11. Houston then has a short-week matchup against Buffalo.