The Houston Texans just secured a major divisional win without their star quarterback, relying on backup Davis Mills to guide them to a 16-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans on the road. Despite the success, a bigger question looms over the team: when will C.J. Stroud return? It appears fans may have to wait a bit longer for the answer.
What Is the Latest on C.J. Stroud’s Injury?
According to a report from ESPN insider Adam Schefter, Stroud has not yet been cleared to play. With the Texans facing a short week, the team is preparing for the possibility of Mills remaining under center.
“We’re still waiting for C.J. Stroud to clear (the protocol), and I think there’s a real question as to where he will be out there Thursday night against Buffalo,” Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show. “I think there’s a real possibility that C.J. Stroud will miss his third straight game, and it will be Davis Mills again on Sunday night.”
Stroud suffered a concussion after a slide during the team’s 18-15 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 9. Since the injury, Mills has taken over the offense and has successfully led the team to consecutive wins in his two starts.
Before the injury, Stroud’s performance this season was solid, earning him a 75.1 PFSN QB Impact score, which ranks 19th in the league. While Mills has a lower grade at 64.4, his leadership has been instrumental in securing back-to-back victories for the Texans.
This was most evident last week when Houston rallied with a 26-point fourth quarter to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars. In that incredible comeback, Mills threw for three touchdowns in the final 15 minutes of the game, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. In Stroud’s absence, the former third-round pick has completed 72 of 120 pass attempts for 726 passing yards, with three touchdowns and just one interception.
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier, as the Texans have a short week before hosting the formidable Buffalo Bills, who are coming off a game where quarterback Josh Allen recorded a six-touchdown performance. A shootout is something Houston will want to avoid with Mills leading the offense.
Stroud returned to practice on Tuesday, but was still in the concussion protocol. Later in the day, the Texans officially ruled him out for the Week 12 game against the Bills.
C.J. Stroud back at it #Texans https://t.co/vQeQPTMyLi pic.twitter.com/DR2dlGTzx4
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 18, 2025
However, DeMeco Ryans’ team may have the tools to slow down the reigning MVP. The Texans’ defense is currently yielding the fewest points per game in the league, at 16.3, setting up a classic matchup of a high-powered offense against a stingy defense.
With their last two victories, Houston has climbed to a 5-5 record, but the team still trails the Colts and Jaguars in the AFC South standings. This leaves the Texans on the outside looking in at the current playoff picture. With Stroud out against the Bills, his next opportunity to return will be in a crucial Week 13 road game against the Indianapolis Colts.