Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud will miss his second consecutive game due to a concussion sustained during the team’s loss to the Denver Broncos on November 2, 2023. The Texans are set to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, and Davis Mills will step in as the starting quarterback for the second week in a row.
Stroud was injured in the second quarter of the game against the Broncos when he scrambled for a six-yard gain. He was hit on the shoulder by Kris Abrams-Draine, causing the back of his head to hit the ground violently. Initially, Abrams-Draine was penalized for unnecessary roughness, but that call was later overturned after officials reviewed the play and determined that there was no contact with Stroud’s head or neck.
After the incident, Stroud remained on the field for some time before he was assisted off and entered the medical tent. Following evaluation, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game. This concussion marks the second Stroud has experienced since he joined the NFL earlier this year, with his first occurring in December 2023 against the New York Jets.
Texans Adjust to Player Absences
In addition to Stroud, the Texans will also be without safety Jalen Pitre, who is sidelined due to a concussion sustained during the same game against the Broncos. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn will also miss his second game due to a quadriceps injury suffered in the same matchup.
Mills, who will take over the quarterback duties, demonstrated his capability last week by throwing two touchdown passes and scoring a decisive rushing touchdown during the Texans’ remarkable comeback from a 19-point deficit, ultimately winning 36-29 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His performance has instilled hope within the Texans’ camp as they prepare for their matchup against the Titans.
The absence of key players presents a challenge for the Texans as they seek to maintain momentum in the competitive NFL landscape. As the team gears up for the game, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Mills and the Texans adapt to these significant changes in their lineup.