The Houston Texans will not have quarterback C.J. Stroud available against the Buffalo Bills on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 12. However, the news around the third-year quarterback is encouraging heading into the contest.
Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 draft, has missed the past two games with a concussion. He returned to practice on Tuesday, but the time crunch proved insurmountable.
Still, Stroud’s return is closer to imminent than uncertain, unlike it was the last two weeks.
C.J. Stroud Expected to Start vs Colts After Concussion Symptoms Subside
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans on the field after defeating the Tennessee Titans.
Stroud’s three-game absence is the longest of his young career, but the belief is that the former Offensive Rookie of the Year will be back next week. The Texans have another AFC South showdown in Week 13, with a visit to face the Indianapolis Colts.
“Stroud is expected to be available to play against the Indianapolis Colts (8-2) on the road in Week 13, sources told ESPN.” ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime wrote on November 18.
As Stroud’s participation in Tuesday’s practice suggested, he has advanced in the protocol.
“Symptoms of sensitivity to light and headaches subsided for #Texans QB C.J. Stroud, per sources,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported in a post on X on November 18, before head coach DeMeco Ryans ruled Stroud out.
Stroud has thrown for 1,702 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions this season. The Texans are 2-0 with Davis Mills in Stroud’s place, but that is not why Ryans and Co. held off.
Instead, Stroud and the Texans simply ran out of time.
DeMeco Ryans Gets Honest About C.J. Stroud
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans exits the field after facing the Seattle Seahawks.
Stroud suffered his concussion in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos. The Texans have defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans in his absence. Still, Stroud would be the starter in Week 12 against the Bills had there been more time.
“C.J. and Jalen [Pitre] …. 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 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.”
Stroud will have 10 days between the Bills game and the Texans’ next outing, and more than one week between Week 12 and Week 13 practices.
The Texans need Stroud as healthy as possible heading into the regular-season stretch.
Texans’ Schedule Tightening Up
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans adjusts a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to Tankathon, Stroud and the Texans have the sixth-toughest remaining schedule based on opponent win percentage.
After the Bills, they visit the Colts and the Kansas City Chiefs. Then, after a two-game reprieve against the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders, they will visit the Los Angeles Chargers and host the Colts to close out the campaign, they hope, having secured a playoff berth.
Mills has been more than serviceable for the Texans in Stroud’s stead.
However, if the Texans want to reach the heights they still hope to attain this season, they need Stroud, their franchise QB, back healthy and under center.
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