The Texans will need to play at least the remainder of Week 9 without their starting quarterback. C.J. Stroud has been ruled out of today’s game due to a concussion. 
After being tackled by Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, Stroud’s head hit the turf. He remained down on the field for several minutes before walking off the field under his own power. Stroud spent time in the medical tent before being taken to the locker room for further evaluation.
The 24-year-old has since been ruled out for the remainder of the contest. As a result, backup QB Davis Mills will be tasked with leading the offense the rest of the way. At the time the Texans announced the update on Stroud, they were leading Denver 12-7.
The team’s elite defense will be leaned on to maintain its current advantage. Houston entered Sunday ranked first in the NFL in both points and yards allowed, and another strong showing would help those statistics and give the Texans an opportunity to improve to 4-4 on the year. Even if that takes place, of course, Stroud’s recovery timeline will be a major storyline moving forward.
The third-year passer has only missed two games in his career. During his rookie campaign, though, Stroud suffered a concussion. This latest injury could lead to an absence spanning at least Week 10, since players very rarely clear concussion protocol in time to suit up one week after suffering one. Mills may be counted on beyond the remainder of today’s game as a result.
Stroud has not managed to duplicate the success of his Offensive Rookie of the Year-winning campaign in 2022. He nevertheless helped lead Houston to the divisional round of the postseason again last year. In spite of the Texans’ early struggles during the current campaign, a playoff berth could certainly still be in store. Much of the team’s outlook moving forward will depend on Stroud’s health, however. His situation will thus be worth watching closely over the coming days.