C.J. Stroud Injury Update: Will the Texans Star Miss Week 12 vs Bills?

C.J. Stroud’s injury update has created a major shift ahead of the Houston Texans’ Week 12 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The Texans quarterback remains in concussion protocol, putting his availability for Thursday night in doubt. This development has already impacted the betting market and expectations around the short-week showdown.

The Texans initially opened as 3.5-point home underdogs. That line has now widened to 5.5 points as uncertainty grows around Stroud’s ability to return. With only limited time left before kickoff, the team faces the possibility of starting Davis Mills for a third straight game.

Latest C.J. Stroud Injury Update and What It Means

Stroud suffered the concussion in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos and has not played since. He must clear every stage of the league’s concussion protocol, and with the Texans scheduled for Thursday Night Football, his recovery window is extremely tight. Reports from team insiders indicate that Stroud would likely need to be cleared by Tuesday to have any chance of returning.

Houston has relied on Davis Mills during Stroud’s absence. Mills has completed 60% of his passes this season for 726 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception across four appearances. His late-game drives helped seal wins over Jacksonville and Tennessee, but the challenge increases significantly against a well-rounded Bills defense.

The Buffalo Bills enter Week 12 coming off a strong win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Josh Allen continues to play at an MVP level, giving Buffalo a major advantage if Houston is forced to start its backup quarterback again. According to recent reporting from national outlets such as Associated Press and CNN, the Bills’ offensive rhythm has improved over the past three weeks, making Thursday’s matchup even tougher for an injury-hit Texans roster.

Stroud has completed 66.5% of his passes this season for 1,702 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions in eight games. His absence would significantly alter Houston’s offensive identity. Team officials have not ruled him out yet, but the tone around the organization suggests caution, especially considering it is his first significant concussion at the NFL level.

The Texans are expected to release more updates during the week, but for now, the market shift reflects widespread doubt that Stroud will be ready in time.

How the Texans and Bills Match Up Without Stroud

If Mills starts again, Houston may lean more heavily on its run game and short-passing rhythm to keep pace. The Bills present a far more balanced defensive challenge than the Jaguars or Titans. Their ability to pressure the quarterback and force turnovers has defined their recent turnaround.

The Texans’ playoff hopes are still alive at 5-5, but another missed game by Stroud could make their path more difficult. Short-week games often favor healthier teams, and the Bills currently enter with fewer major concerns. Fans, analysts, and fantasy football managers are closely watching every update as the situation continues to develop.

For now, all eyes remain on the next C.J. Stroud injury update. The Texans need their star quarterback back, but the timeline is working against them as Thursday approaches.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Will C.J. Stroud play in Week 12?

Stroud is still in concussion protocol, and his status is uncertain. He would need clearance early in the week to have a chance to play.

Q2: Why did the Texans’ odds shift against the Bills?

The odds shifted because Stroud’s availability is in doubt. Oddsmakers adjusted the spread from +3.5 to +5.5 for Houston.

Q3: Who will start if C.J. Stroud is out?

Davis Mills is expected to start again if Stroud cannot clear protocol. Mills has started the last two games.

Q4: How has Davis Mills performed this season?

He has played efficiently, completing 60% of his passes with three touchdowns and one interception. Two of his wins came from late-game drives.

Q5: When will the Texans give another Stroud update?

More updates are expected before Tuesday’s walkthrough. The team typically reports injury clarifications early in the week.