The Houston Texans produced a stirring comeback without C.J. Stroud to keep themselves firmly in the mix in the AFC playoff race, but will hope to have their star quarterback on the field again in Week 11.
Robbed of Stroud’s services due to a concussion, the Texans appeared poised to suffer a damaging defeat to their AFC South rivals the Jacksonville Jaguars when they trailed 29-10 late in the third quarter.
But backup Davis Mills accounted for three of the Texans’ four touchdowns in the fourth quarter, as Houston stormed back to prevail 36-29, improving to 4-5.
Just a game back in the Wild Card race, the Texans would be thrilled to get Stroud back to face the Tennessee Titans on the road this week. On Monday, head coach DeMeco Ryans provided an update as to how likely that is.
Will C.J. Stroud Play For The Texans in Week 11?
Speaking to reporters, Ryans confirmed that Stroud, along with offensive tackle Tytus Howard and nickel cornerback Jalen Pitre, remains in the concussion protocol.
“Will see how they progress throughout the week,” Ryans said, per Sam Warren of The Houston Chronicle.
Ryans also announced that safety M.J. Stewart will miss the remainder of the season with the quad injury he sustained in the win over Jacksonville.
Stroud will need to clear protocol to have any chance of playing against the Titans, though, after Mills’ efforts in preventing the Texans from falling to 3-6, Houston will likely be comfortable if the former second overall pick cannot play this weekend.
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Mills went 27 of 45 for 292 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception he threw on Houston’s opening offensive series. He added 20 yards on the ground and his rushing score.
The Texans outgained the Jaguars 412 yards to 213, the primary reason for Houston falling so far behind being a fumbled kickoff return that gave Jacksonville a short field, and the concession of a punt return score to Parker Washington.
Without those special teams errors, the Texans wouldn’t have required such a dramatic comeback, which was capped by a fumble return for a touchdown by Sheldon Rankins.
As such, the Texans can afford to be extremely confident of moving the ball against the Titans, who rank 28th in PFSN’s Defense Impact metrics, even if Mills is once again the starter under center.
It would be a welcome boost for Houston if Stroud is able to go in Week 11, but it shouldn’t impact the Texans’ prospects of improving to .500 if they need to wait another week.