CJ Stroud's Injury Status Determined

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud remains in concussion protocol after exiting Sunday's (November 2) game against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter, head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed on Monday (November 3) via ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Stroud was replaced by veteran backup Davis Mills, who Ryans said would start if Stroud isn't able to clear concussion protocol later this week.

“He’s feeling a little bit better,” Ryans said of Stroud on Monday via Schefter. “We’ll see how the week goes and how he progresses throughout the week. Davis if he has to step in and play, we expect him to go out and do his best, play the offense the proper way and make great decisions with the football."

Stroud was tackled by Broncos defensive back Kris Abrams-Draine at the end of a 6-yard scramble with his head hitting the turf after attempting to slide during the second quarter of Sunday's game, with the hit being ruled as a clean play. The quarterback received medical attention on the field before being escorted off the field and into the blue medical tent and then the locker room.

Stroud threw for 79 yards on 6 of 10 passing before exiting the game. Mills threw for 137 yards on 17 of 30 passing.

Stroud was selected by Houston at No. 2 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft and had one of the greatest first seasons in NFL history, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and leading the Texans to their first playoff appearance in four years in 2023 and back-to-back AFC South Division titles in each of his first two seasons.