HOUSTON – Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud remains under the restrictions of the NFL concussion protocol, and is regarded as extremely unlikely to be cleared in time for a Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills.
The Texans had a walkthrough Monday and issued an estimated injury report if they had a full practice. Stroud didn’t participate, but nickel Jalen Pitre returned to practice and remains under the NFL concussion protocol. He is tracking toward return, if he has no recurrence of symptoms in the next two days.
Although Stroud is feeling better with symptoms of sensitivity to light and headaches subsiding, per sources, the timing of the game and the requirement of practicing twice with no symptoms and being cleared by an independent neurologist has a negative impact on his availability, and Pitre.
This will be the third game in a row they’ve been sidelined after suffering concussions against the Denver Broncos. Pitre has dealt with headaches, per sources.
“As of right now, C.J. and Jalen are still in the concussion protocol,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said prior to the injury report being released. “With C.J. and Jalen, again, we got to see how the week goes. When they’re in their concussion protocol, there are steps they have to pass to be available. So, we’ll see how it goes for them this week.”
“We’re hopeful for C.J. to get back healthy, that’s the first thing, the most important thing. I just have to deal with it based on when they pass the steps they need to pass. If they are available, then being able to see them on the field, see them get reps and see how that goes. As of right now, it’s nothing that I can do from my seat here. I’m just praying for those guys to just get back healthy.”
A former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl selection, Stroud has been back in the Texans’ building for treatment and meetings. He is making progress.
“Speedy recovery, my guy, 7,” Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins said Sunday after a 16-13 win over the Tennessee Titans. “You don’t want nobody missing games, especially with your brain. You only get one so, you got to take care of that. We miss him, for sure, but the health is important.”
Meanwhile, Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn is expected back from a right quadriceps injury. Fairbairn participated fully Monday.
Right guard Ed Ingram was a full participant after missing the past two games with a sprained knee.
The following players participated fully: Fairbairn, Ingram, Davis Mills (left elbow), Braxton Berrios (quadriceps), Myles Bryant (ankle), Jake Hansen (elbow) and Cade Stover (foot).
Several players were limited: Azeez Al-Shaair (knee, illness), Pitre, Collins (ankle), Anderson Jr. (ankle), Tytus Howard (ankle, knee), Trent Brown (hand, knee), Schultz and Denico Autry (limited).
Texans Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter was evaluated for a potential concussion, but was cleared medically.
“Danielle is fine,” Ryans said.
Texans tight end Dalton Schultz has been playing through a lingering shoulder injury and was on the injury report as limited.
“Dalton continues to play really great football for us,” Ryans said. “Dalton shows up in critical moments, making plays, and he’s fighting through, as everybody is at this time, fighting through injuries and things of that nature, but he continues to scrap, he continues to battle.
“It’s important to him to go out and play his best for his teammates and he shows that. He puts it on the line every single week, and I’m proud of the toughness and grit that he’s showing.”
Photo: Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Mills is 2-0 as the starter in place of Stroud. The backup has passed for three touchdown passes and one interception and ran for a game-winning touchdown.
A former third-round draft pick from Stanford who was the Texans’ starting quarterback until the Texans drafted Stroud second overall out of Ohio State in 2023 when he was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Mills improved to 7-19-1 as a starter.
Now, the Texans (5-5) have reached the .500 mark for the first time this season after consecutive wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. They’re in the mix in the AFC wild-card playoff race, currently ranking eighth in the playoff standings with seven games remaining in the regular season.
Mills engineered the first two one-score wins of the season over the past two weeks. Previously, the Texans were 0-5 in those situations.
Without Mills and his cool demeanor, perhaps the Texans don’t win those games.
His calm matters.
“Yeah, for sure, 1,000 percent man,” Collins said. “Every time Mills steps in the huddle, it’s always calm, next play, everybody slow down, breathe, one play at a time, man. His calmness really just calms everyone down and that’s how you execute."
Mills, a former third-round draft pick from Stanford who started before Stroud was drafted second overall in 2023, has completed 60 percent of his throws for 726 yards, three touchdowns and one interception for an 82.2 passer rating. He scrambled for the game-winning touchdown against the Jaguars to ice the game.
“He’s always cool, calm, collected,” Texans offensive lineman Tytus Howard. He’s very poised. He’s somebody he’s always been since I’ve known him for the past five years. I’m with him very day, we’re locker mates, so I know him pretty well. He’s a great guy."
He has built a good relationship with offensive coordinator Nick Caley, who has been impressed with his work ethic.
“He’s got great command, total command,” Caley said. “He’s into it. He’s very smart, very hardworking. He prepares. He works at it. He’s here early, stays late, watches a lot of tape. So, first class in every way and really cares about the position. There was nothing holding him back at all from that standpoint.”
Aaron Wilson is a contributor to Sports Talk 790.