The season is not going as planned for the Houston Texans, who trail the Indianapolis Colts by four games in the AFC South. Before a crucial matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Texans fans got bad news about quarterback C.J. Stroud.
What’s the Latest on C.J. Stroud?
Texans head coach Demeco Ryans announced that Stroud will not play in Week 10 against Jacksonville due to a concussion he suffered in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos.
The loss of Stroud adds another complication to an already difficult season. Despite playoff appearances in the past two years, the Texans have faced legitimate concerns about the quality of their offensive line. Stroud has been pressured frequently, with his quick release and pocket presence helping mitigate some of the issues, though he has still been still sacked in 6.4% of his dropbacks.
#Texans QB CJ Stroud is not expected to play on Sunday vs. the #Jaguars due to a concussion, per HC DeMeco Ryans.
Davis Mills will start. pic.twitter.com/HU0G9Rbyr5
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 5, 2025
In Stroud’s absence, quarterback Davis Mills is expected to start. Mills, a third-round pick in 2021, has started 26 games for Houston. He served as the team’s starter during his first two seasons before Stroud was drafted in 2023.
How Did Stroud Get Hurt?
In the second quarter of Week 9 against Denver, Stroud stepped into the pocket and ran through the middle. As he slid, Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine delivered a hard hit, sending Stroud’s head into the turf.
He left the game and entered concussion protocol, with the injury later confirmed. Mills finished the game, but the Texans fell 18-15 to the Broncos, further complicating their season. With half the regular season complete and the Colts also losing in Week 9, Houston’s playoff window is narrowing.
Stroud ranks 20th in PFSN’s QB Impact metric with a 75.1 score that translates to a C grade.
Stroud’s Injury Could Hurt Texans’ Playoff Chances
Houston had stabilized earlier in the season, but the loss to Denver prevented the team from reaching a 4-4 record before a crucial matchup with Jacksonville. Now, they face a divisional rival in prime position to compete for a wild-card berth. A loss would drop the Texans to 3-6 with eight games remaining, including matchups against the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, and Kansas City Chiefs.
The Texans need Stroud back as soon as possible. Without him, the 2025 season could be lost, and the team will have to start focusing on next year.
