The Houston Texans notched a much-needed victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10, and they did it without starting quarterback C.J. Stroud. Still, with another AFC South showdown, against the Tennessee Titans on deck, Stroudâs status looms large for the Texans.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans provided a brief but attention-grabbing update on the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler.
With that, backup QB Davis Millsâ performance in Week 10 also looms large.
C.J. Stroudâs Status Remains Uncertain for Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans leaves the field after an injury against the Denver Broncos.
Ryans met with the media on Monday, and he updated several Texans playersâ statuses following the win over the Jaguars. Stroud was most notable among them, but fellow Texans starters Jalen Pitre and Tytus Howard.
All three players missed Week 10 with concussions.
The Texans have yet to take the practice field in Week 11, with Week 10 still not over around the league, but Ryansâ update still drew attention.
âFor C.J., Tytus, and Jalen, all three guys are still in the concussion protocol,â Ryans told reporters during his media availability on November 10. âWeâll see, you know, how they progress throughout the week.â
The absences forced the Texans to shuffle their roster, again, with Stroud the most significant.
C.J. Stroud Play Goes Unchecked
GettyKris Abrams-Draine #31 of the Denver Broncos tackles C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans.
Stroud suffered his concussion in the second quarter of the Texansâ Week 9 loss to the Denver Broncos on a hit from cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine. The hit was not flagged in the game since Abrams-Draine hit Stroud in the chest, not the head or neck area.
It also did not result in a fine for Abrams-Draine, despite Ryansâ clear protest after the game and dismissive remarks the following day.
Stroud did not practice in Week 10, so his participation to start the week will be noteworthy.
Stroudâs mother, Kimberly, has shared that her son was improving and itching to return to the field, thanking fans for an outpouring of support. This was the second documented concussion in the NFL for Stroud, who missed two games as a rookie.
Stroud must pass a five-phase return-to-play plan from the NFL and be cleared by an independent neurological consultant before he can practice or suit up for a game.
DeMeco Ryans Praises Davis Mills
GettyDavis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans is interviewed following the 36-29 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mills completed 60% of his passes for 292 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception in the Texansâ 36-29 comeback win over the Jaguars in Week 10.
Ryans offered high praise for him and the Texansâ offensive line.
âIâm most proud of how we finish. We still have things to clean up. We can execute better. [But] when it counted, when we needed it most, Davis, the receivers, they made outstanding plays,â Ryans said. âHe doesnât make those plays without the protection being good. I thought our offensive line protected well and allowed Davis to make those plays. So, Iâm just really proud of how we truly finished the game.â
Mills was a third-round pick by the Texans in 2021, and they signed him to a one-year, $7 million contract extension this past offseason. The Texans might not hesitate to turn to him again in Week 11, giving Stroud more time.
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