C.J. Stroud Injury Update: Will the Texans QB Clear Concussion Protocol Before Week 10?

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud entered the NFL’s concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos. Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed on Monday, November 3, that Stroud is “feeling a little bit better” but remains under medical evaluation.

The development comes at a critical point in the Texans’ season. Houston, already struggling offensively behind a battered offensive line, cannot afford to lose its star quarterback as the team fights to stay alive in the AFC playoff race.

Stroud’s Status and Recovery Timeline

Coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that Stroud’s condition will be monitored daily and that his participation in practice this week will depend on how he progresses through the concussion protocol. Under current NFL rules, a player cannot return to action until cleared by both team doctors and an independent neurologist. That process involves passing through multiple stages of cognitive and physical testing.

The five-step concussion protocol includes symptom-limited activity, aerobic exercise, football-specific drills, non-contact training, and full football clearance. Given the strict nature of the policy, most players miss at least one game following a confirmed concussion. That puts Stroud’s Week 10 availability against the Jacksonville Jaguars in serious doubt.

If Stroud is not cleared in time, backup quarterback Davis Mills is expected to start. Mills filled in during the second half of the Broncos game, completing 6-of-10 passes for 79 yards, though Houston’s offense failed to score a touchdown. Rookie Graham Mertz, who served as the emergency third quarterback, would likely move up to the backup role.

Texans Face Pressure as Playoff Race Tightens

Houston’s bye week came early in Week 6, leaving no natural break in the schedule for Stroud’s recovery. The Texans are now three games behind the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts and face a crucial divisional matchup against the Jaguars in Week 10. A loss without Stroud could push the team further out of contention.

Ryans expressed confidence in Mills’ ability to lead the offense if needed, emphasizing that the system will remain unchanged. “If Davis has to step in, we expect him to do his best—play smart football and take care of the ball,” Ryans said. However, without Stroud’s presence, Houston’s dynamic passing attack could be severely limited.

C.J. Stroud’s concussion status will likely remain the most-watched storyline for Texans fans this week. His recovery timeline will depend on daily testing results and clearance from medical personnel before Week 10 practices conclude.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How long will C.J. Stroud be out?

Stroud is in concussion protocol and unlikely to return until he clears all five stages. Most players in similar cases miss one game.

Q2: Who will start if Stroud is unavailable?

Davis Mills is expected to start for the Texans in Week 10 if Stroud remains sidelined, with Graham Mertz as his backup.

Q3: What game do the Texans play next?

Houston faces the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10, a key divisional matchup with playoff implications.

Q4: What are the steps in the NFL concussion protocol?

The process includes five stages: symptom-limited activity, aerobic exercise, football-specific drills, non-contact work, and final medical clearance.

Q5: How does Stroud’s injury affect the Texans’ playoff chances?

With Houston trailing the division leader by three games, missing their starting QB even for one week could heavily impact their postseason hopes.