Davis Mills: Everything you need to know

Mills did not play in Sunday's 28-16 playoff loss to the Patriots. Mills never got off the bench despite the struggles of starter C.J. Stroud, who threw four interceptions. The former had an effective run as a starter during the regular season, guiding Houston to three straight wins when Stroud missed time due to a concussion. Mills finished the 2025 regular season with a 57.2 completion percentage (91-for-159) for 915 yards and five touchdowns over six games. He's under contract for another season and could be in for a greater role in 2026, if Stroud is unable to recapture the promise he showed as a rookie in 2023.

Mills (personal) is listed as active for Monday's wild-card matchup against the Steelers. Mills traveled to Pittsburgh a day late for personal reasons. Now back with the team, the 27-year-old will be the backup quarterback option behind C.J. Stroud. Graham Mertz (coach's decision) is inactive for the contest.

Mills (personal) is expected to be active as the backup to starting quarterback C.J. Stroud during Sunday's wild-card round matchup on the road against Pittsburgh, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Mills stayed in Houston an extra day for personal reasons, but he's now traveling to face the Steelers. While the backup quarterback is officially listed as questionable, the expectation is that Mills will be cleared in advance of Monday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Graham Mertz is also available as the No. 3 man behind Stroud and Mills.