After three weeks of being sidelined in concussion protocol, C.J. Stroud will officially step back under center for the Houston Texans in Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts. For the first time since he suffered the injury, Stroud addressed the media and delivered a clear message.
The Texans found a rhythm while he was out, going 3-0.
Stroud, though, believes he will be able to get back to what he felt was a good groove before he went down, while also speaking candidly about his fill-in, Davis Mills.
C.J. Stroud Gets Honest Ahead of Return for Texans-Colts
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans smiles before facing the Carolina Panthers.
Stroud took the podium for a media availability for the first time since Week 9 against the Denver Broncos. He noted that he valued the time out for the additional perspective it granted him. He said he was “really grateful to be back finally.”
“I’m excited to be back. Blessed, man. Super grateful to be able to be healthy again and have some peace, knowing that my body and my brain and my thoughts feel pure and clean. So, it’s a blessing,” Stroud told reporters on November 28. “I just took it one day at a time. It was it was kind of eye-opening to kind of get a bird’s eye view, which I haven’t had in a long time.”
The wait is over, too, with the Texans posting, “He’s backkkk!” on X as Stroud (and safety Jalen Pitre) cleared protocol.
Stroud was pressed about what he observed, and said it is “all about doing the little things right.”
“Take care of the football, getting out my hand, going through my progressions, my reads, being clean in the communication in the huddle. And just trusting myself, trusting my instincts, being confident, and just trusting my God-given talent, and go from there,” Stroud said. “Sucks that that happened.
“I think I’ll be able to kind of catch my mojo back. But you don’t know when. Hopefully, it’s the first play of the game. But whatever it is, I’m going to just keep fighting and try to find my rhythm.”
C.J Stroud Leaning on Faith, Not Thinking About Injury
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after defeating the Baltimore Ravens.
Stroud expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from both Texans and Broncos fans, as well as players from both teams, following his injury.
However, spoke strongly about leaning on his faith rather than being hesitant after his concussion. It was the second of his career and led to the longest absence of his career. Still, Stroud said he does not plan to play the game any differently.
He said injuries are “part of the game.”
“I thought we made the right call, our doctors and stuff, on just holding me out. But yeah. I’m not worried, I’m covered in the blood [of Christ]. I’m going to continue to be confident and trust my talents and my gifts, and try to do it for the glory of God,” Stroud said, noting he would have played in Week 12 had the game been on Sunday instead of “Thursday Night Football.”
“When you think about getting hurt, you think about bad things, when bad things happen. So, I’m going to just play free, and try my best to trust my instincts, and do what I can. And, of course, stay healthy, but I want to put my team in position to win. So, I’m going to do that, and whatever happens, happens. But I have trust that I play this game the right way, and I know when to slide, when not to, or try to do my best to protect myself as well. So, I’m not going to second-guess that, and just try to go and play fast and have fun.”
Davis Mills Gets Strong Words From C.J. Stroud
GettyDavis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Tennessee Titans.
Stroud also tipped his cap to Mills. Mills led the Texans to a 3-0 run as the starter during his absence.
“I wanted to play really bad. I wanted to be back out there. But I thought we put ourselves in a great position. Thought Davis did great. He balled out three games in a row and put us in position to win,” Stroud said. “Really proud of him and everything he’s done. He’s been a great teammate, great brother of mine. So, yeah. I’m just really grateful to be back finally.”
Mills has also made it clear that the Texans are Stroud’s team, shutting down any controversy.
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