The Houston Texans have gone 3-0 over their past three games, all while typical starting quarterback C.J. Stroud has been sidelined in concussion protocol. In his absence, former Texans starter and 2021 third-round draft pick Davis Mills stepped up.
In Week 13, the Texans are on the road, taking on the division-leading Indianapolis Colts.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans met with the media on Monday, and the third-year head coach announced his final QB decision for a pivotal AFC South matchup.
DeMeco Ryans Puts End to Texans QB1 Speculation
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks on against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Stroud has not had the season many expected entering his third season with the Texans. He has completed 66.5% of his passes for 1,702 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in his eight starts, with Houston going 3-5 in those games.
Mills, meanwhile, completed 59.5% of his throws, posting a 719-5-1 line and a 3-0 record.
However, while Stroud remains in concussion protocol, per Ryans, he is also still the Texans’ starting QB when he is healthy.
“Whenever C.J. is back, ready to roll, he’s been our starter,” Ryans told media members during a later-than-usual day-after-game media availability on November 24. “He will be our starter whenever he’s back, ready to go.
“We’ll see what happens on Wednesday [for their first practice] when Wednesday gets here.”
The Texans defeated the Buffalo Bills on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 12. Ryans praised Mills for his performance in that contest.
However, Ryans’ comments on Monday underscore several critical points about the Texans’ quarterback situation as they prepare to make a final push for a postseason berth, if not the division crown.
Texans’ QB Situation Crystal Clear
GettyDavis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers.
Ryans noted during an answer to a question about draft classmate Will Anderson that they viewed Stroud as a “talented” player who “did a lot of great things” in college at Ohio State.
The Texans selected Stroud No. 2 overall in 2023, with Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio in place and Mills on the roster. Mills was the No. 67 overall selection by the Texans in the 2021 draft. Mills could draw trade interest this coming offseason based on his play this year.
However, Mills has made it clear where he views himself in the Texans’ QB pecking order.
“In my current situation, I don’t think there’s a competition,” Mills told reporters postgame. “C.J.’s the starter for this team. I’m just doing everything I can to bring my best foot forward every day. Make everyone else around me better and try to provide and play my role to my best ability when I get thrown in there.”
At the same time, it speaks to the level of Mills’ performance that what seemed like a fan-pushed narrative was something Ryans addressed rather than waiting for the injury report.
C.J. Stroud’s Health ‘Drastically Improved’
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after defeating the Baltimore Ravens.
The most encouraging news for the Texans, especially in light of Ryans’ comments, is that Stroud has trended up and returned to practice on a limited basis last week.
“Stroud has three practices to clear protocol. It is possible he could clear as soon as Wednesday, but likely Thursday,” The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander wrote on November 24. “Stroud’s health has drastically improved over the past week.”
That is certainly encouraging.
However, Stroud and safety Jalen Pitre, who also suffered a concussion in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos, remain in protocol until they are fully cleared by an independent physician.
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