Texans’ C.J. Stroud Misses TNF vs. Bills Due to Concussion
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud will miss the upcoming “Thursday Night Football” game against the Buffalo Bills due to a concussion. Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed on Tuesday that Stroud has not yet cleared the league’s concussion protocol.
C.J. Stroud’s Status
Despite participating in limited practice on Tuesday, Stroud remains sidelined. His absence marks the third consecutive game he has missed since the concussion sustained in Week 9. According to sources, he is expected to return for the Texans’ next game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Additional Injuries
Safety Jalen Pitre will also be absent from the matchup against the Bills. Pitre suffered a concussion during a game against the Broncos and has missed the last two games. He practiced this week but was unable to meet the requirements of the concussion protocol.
Coach’s Insights
Ryans noted the tight schedule as a significant factor impacting Stroud and Pitre’s availability. “Both guys are progressing, they’re doing better,” he said. “But right now, with the short turnaround game on Thursday, just don’t have enough days for those guys to be available.”
Backup Quarterback Performance
In Stroud’s absence, backup Davis Mills has taken charge, leading the Texans to two consecutive victories. Mills has displayed his capabilities with game-winning drives against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. During these two games, he has recorded three touchdowns against one interception while guiding the team to an average of 22.5 points per game.
Playoff Implications
The Texans, currently sitting with a record of 5-5, are in a crucial position within the playoffs. They have bounced back from an early 0-3 start and now find themselves in the race for a wildcard spot. As of now, Houston is ranked No. 8 in the AFC, just behind the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Upcoming Challenges
The impending matchup against the Bills carries significant playoff implications. A victory would not only give the Texans a key head-to-head tiebreaker against Buffalo but also enhance their 26% chances of reaching the playoffs, potentially increasing it to 37%. Conversely, a loss could diminish their playoff hopes to just 15%.
