The Houston Texans await with bated breath for an update on quarterback C.J. Stroud, who took a big hit during the Week 9 contest against the Denver Broncos.
Stroud was scrambling during the second quarter when he took a hit from Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine. He remained down for some time before trainers helped him to the Texans’ sideline.
Davis Mills stepped in for the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
C.J. Stroud Evaluated for Concussion During Texans-Broncos
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans exits the field after facing the Seattle Seahawks.
Stroud was eventually taken into the Texans’ locker room to be evaluated for a concussion, and he was deemed questionable to return. Mills completed multiple passes on his possession, finding Nico Collins for 11 yards to put the Texans in a goal-to-go situation.
As encouraging as Mills’ play was on short notice, and he was sacked to end that possession, the Texans’ entire game plan on offense is designed around having Stroud under center.
His absence would naturally be devastating.
However, Mills is an experienced passer and former third-round draft pick who has started 26 of his now-40 career games played. Mills entered Week 9 with a 5-19-1 record and a 6,190-35-25 career line on 62.5% completion.
Mills was the Texans’ starter before they used the No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 draft to select Stroud. Unfortunately for the Texans, their injury woes were not over.
The Texans ultimately ruled Stroud – along with right tackle Tytus Howard (concussion) and linebacker Christian Harris (shin) – out for the remainder of the contest, putting the QB in doubt for Week 10.
Texans RB Woody Marks Joins C.J. Stroud on Sideline
GettyWoody Marks #27 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans.
As if losing Stroud were not concerning enough, the Texans also saw promising rookie running back Woody Marks pick up an injury that forced him to the sideline. Marks was able to walk off under his own power to the sideline and into the blue medical tent.
Marks has been the more productive of the Texans’ backs between himself and starter Nick Chubb, presenting a dual-threat element that his teammate does not possess.
The Texans remain without would-be starter and Pro Bowler Joe Mixon.
Marks returned to the Texans’ bench area and received treatment from the training staff for his lower back. That left Stroud as the Texans’ only concern, but it was always their greatest and most pressing.
Texans OL Takes Double Hit in Week 9
GettyEd Ingram #67 of the Minnesota Vikings.
To make matters worse, Howard and right guard Ed Ingram both exited the contest with injuries. The Texans replaced them with Juice Scruggs and Blake Fisher, respectively. Still, Stroud’s status is of the utmost importance.
The Texans will face a daunting stretch with or without Stroud. They face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10, the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11, and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12.
Moreover, the Texans, who entered Week 9 at 3-4 on the season, have already had their bye.
They are already looking up in terms of the AFC South race, and their Wild Card outlook is already in danger, too. Losing Stroud for any amount of time would be detrimental, but multiple weeks could completely derail their season.
Texans QB C.J. Stroud Ruled Out With Concussion Versus Broncos