The Houston Texans got a glimmer of hope with the return of starting quarterback C.J. Stroud at practice on Tuesday. And, just as quickly, Texans head coach doused whatever anticipation had built about Stroud’s presence on the field alongside his teammates.
To that end, Texans safety Jalen Pitre’s status was also up in the air entering Tuesday as he navigated a concussion, just like Stroud.
By day’s end, both players’ statuses were settled.
DeMeco Ryans Rules Out C.J. Stroud, Jalen Pitre for Bill-Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans takes the field before facing the Denver Broncos.
Stroud’s return to practice caused a stir, despite the Texans going 2-0 in his absence. Still, Ryans quickly made his final call with the Texans’ final practice of the Week on Tuesday.
“Start just with injury update. C.J. and Jaylen will be out. Both guys are progressing. They’re doing better. But right now, with the short turnaround game on Thursday, just don’t have enough days for those guys to be available,” Ryans told reporters during his media availability on November 18.
“It’s really encouraging just to see both guys out being able to practice and go through those things. So, it is encouraging to see that they are making those steps to get themselves back healthy.”
This will be Stroud’s third absence, the longest of his career.
He missed two games as a rookie with the Texans during the 2023 season, which was also with a concussion.
The Texans were expected to take a cautious approach with Stroud, who had to reach at least Phase 3 of the NFL’s return to play program to return to the limited level of participation he had on Tuesday, per the team’s injury report. Linebacker Jamal Hill was the only non-participant.
The Texans face the Buffalo Bills on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 12.
DeMeco Ryans to Davis Mills: ‘Do Your Best’
GettyDavis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Tennessee Titans.
The Texans were always going to err on the side of caution with Stroud, but having 2021 third-round draft pick Davis Mills has helped ease the pain of QB1’s absence from the field over the last two outings.
“During our spring practices, Davis took the bulk of the reps. C.J. was out with a shoulder injury during OTAs. So, Davis had a bulk of our reps in the spring. He’s got a ton of reps in training camp, and he’s banked reps now over the past three games. So, he’s done a good job with what we’re asking him to do. And just expecting him to keep going out and keep getting better,” Ryans said.
“Just ask him to, just operate the offense efficiently. Do what he’s capable of doing, and it’s worked for us. So we just got to ask him, just like every other player, man, ‘You just do your best.’ That’s all we ask for every guy. Do your best, and everybody doing their best will put us in position to win the game.”
Mills has thrown for 703 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception on 60.3% completion in the two-plus games he has played since Stroud exited in Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills.
Stroud will have 10 days to recover in time for when the Texans face the Indianapolis Colts.
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