Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has been ruled out for Thursday night's Week 12 matchup against the Buffalo Bills due to a concussion, marking his third consecutive missed game. Davis Mills will make his third straight start for the 5-5 Texans. Coach DeMeco Ryans announced the news Tuesday, noting Stroud's progress but insufficient recovery time on the short week.
The Houston Texans will once again turn to backup quarterback Davis Mills for their Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 12. Starting quarterback C.J. Stroud, who suffered a concussion early in the Week 9 loss to the Denver Broncos, has been progressing through the NFL's concussion protocol. He returned to practice in a limited capacity on Tuesday but will not be ready to play, according to head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Ryans told reporters that Stroud is "progressing and doing better," but the short week following Week 11 does not provide enough time for his return. The Texans hope Stroud can resume starting duties after a mini bye, ahead of their key Week 13 divisional matchup against the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts on November 30.
Mills has stepped up in Stroud's absence, leading Houston to back-to-back victories and improving their record to 5-5, securing the No. 8 seed in the AFC playoff picture. In Week 9 against the Broncos, Mills went 17 of 30 for 137 yards in relief. He then orchestrated a miraculous comeback in Week 10 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, throwing two fourth-quarter touchdown passes and scoring a rushing touchdown to overcome a 29-10 deficit entering the final frame.
In Week 11, Mills threw for 274 yards and a touchdown in a 16-13 nail-biting win over the Tennessee Titans, capping it with his second consecutive game-winning drive. Overall, in two starts, Mills has completed 60.0% of his passes for 726 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He enters the game 4-1 in his last four career starts.
The Bills, at 7-3, present a tougher challenge, entering as 5.5-point road favorites despite allowing 30-plus points in each of their last two games. A win could push the Texans above .500 for the first time this season and help them stay ahead of the 5-5 Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens in the AFC standings.