Is C.J. Stroud Playing Tonight? Latest Injury Update for Texans vs Bills

C.J. Stroud will not play tonight as the Houston Texans face the Buffalo Bills in Week 12. The star quarterback remains in concussion protocol and has not been cleared for game action. His absence continues to shape Houston’s short-term outlook during a key stretch of the NFL 2025 season.

Stroud returned to the practice field this week, but doctors ruled him out for Thursday Night Football. This decision follows ongoing evaluations after the concussion he sustained on November 2. The Texans will rely on backup Davis Mills again as they fight to stay in the AFC playoff race.

Stroud’s Updated Status for Week 12

Houston announced that C.J. Stroud is out for the third straight game. He practiced on Tuesday, November 18, but did not receive medical clearance to play. According to major outlets such as AP and CNN, the team has taken a cautious approach with his recovery. He has progressed through parts of the concussion protocol, but the final step has not been completed.

Stroud suffered the concussion in a loss to the Denver Broncos on November 2. He has shown improvement, but league rules require full clearance with no symptoms. The Texans continue to emphasize long-term health over a short-term push.

Davis Mills will start once again. Mills threw for 274 yards and one touchdown last week in a win over the Tennessee Titans. Matthew Wright added a 35-yard field goal to seal the victory. Houston also played without Jalen Pitre and Ka imi Fairbairn in that game. The team entered Week 12 with a 5-5 record and remains in the AFC mix.

There is optimism that Stroud may return in Week 13 when the Texans face the Indianapolis Colts. His return to practice is a promising sign, but the team will wait for full clearance. The decision will depend on how he responds to increased work in the days ahead.

How Stroud’s Absence Shapes the Texans

Houston’s offense has leaned on quick throws and steady protection with Mills at quarterback. The coaching staff has focused on minimizing turnovers and sustaining drives. The approach helped Houston secure back-to-back wins while their star quarterback recovers.

Fans have shown concern over the length of Stroud’s absence. Concussions vary in recovery time, and Houston’s medical staff has received support from analysts and sports physicians for their caution. Protecting a franchise quarterback remains a top priority.

The playoff race also adds pressure. Each game matters, and missing an MVP-level player affects the team’s ceiling. Still, Houston has responded with resilience. Their defensive unit has tightened, and the offense has adapted to Mills’ skill set.

C.J. Stroud is out tonight, but his progress at practice signals that a return could come soon. The Texans will try to stay afloat while they wait for their quarterback to fully recover.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is C.J. Stroud playing tonight?

No. C.J. Stroud is out for Week 12 against the Bills. He remains in concussion protocol.

Q2: When could C.J. Stroud return?

There is hope he may return in Week 13. He practiced this week but has not been cleared for games.

Q3: Who is starting for the Texans tonight?

Davis Mills will start. He led Houston to a win over the Titans last week.

Q4: What injury is C.J. Stroud dealing with?

He is recovering from a concussion suffered on November 2.

Q5: How have the Texans performed without Stroud?

They won their last game and remain competitive in the AFC standings.