Texans Inactives vs Bills: Full Week 12 Thursday Night List

The Houston Texans have announced their official Texans inactives list for Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills. The prime time matchup takes place on Thursday night, November 20, 2025, at NRG Stadium in Houston. Several key players will not dress, which could shape how the game unfolds.

The team confirmed that seven players are inactive before kickoff. Safety Jalen Pitre, quarterback C.J. Stroud, wide receiver Braxton Berrios, linebackers Damone Clark and Jamal Hill, tackle Jarrett Kingston and guard Laken Tomlinson are all out. That combination affects the offense, defense and special teams across multiple position groups.

Breaking Down the Full Texans Inactives List vs Bills

The Texans inactives list for Week 12 is led by safety Jalen Pitre (No. 5). He is one of the leaders in the defensive backfield and a tone setter in the secondary. His absence means more responsibility for the rest of the safety group and cornerbacks against a strong Buffalo passing game.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud (No. 7) is also inactive. Stroud has already missed time with a concussion, and his continued absence keeps Davis Mills in the starting role. For a national television game, that is a major storyline for Houston’s offense.

Braxton Berrios (No. 17) is another notable name on the list. He contributes on offense as a slot receiver and has value in the return game. With Berrios out, Houston may need to adjust its rotation at wide receiver and kick returner, and give more snaps to reserve pass catchers.

The inactives list also hits the linebacker room. Damone Clark (No. 47) and Jamal Hill (No. 56) are both out for this game. Linebacker depth is vital against a quarterback who can extend plays and a running game that tests gaps. Their absence could lead to heavier snaps for the starters and more work for backup linebackers and hybrid defenders.

On the offensive line, tackle Jarrett Kingston (No. 63) and guard Laken Tomlinson (No. 75) are inactive. Offensive line continuity is crucial, especially on a short week. With Tomlinson out at guard and Kingston unavailable as depth at tackle, the Texans will rely on other linemen to protect the quarterback and open lanes in the run game.

This Texans inactives group is spread across all three phases. It affects protection, coverage, tackling and field position. For a team in a tight AFC race, every inactive decision is magnified in a spotlight game like Thursday Night Football.

How Texans Inactives Could Influence the Game vs Bills

The absence of key starters and role players will influence how Houston approaches this matchup. Without Stroud, the Texans must build a game plan that suits Davis Mills. Expect a focus on quick decisions, efficient reads and a balanced approach that leans on the ground game and short passing.

Defensively, playing without Pitre changes the look of the secondary. The Texans may choose safer coverages and more help over the top against a quarterback who can push the ball downfield. Communication and discipline in the back end will be vital, because one missed assignment can turn into a long touchdown in prime time.

The offensive line inactives may also shape the rhythm of the game. If the reshuffled line can hold up, Houston can stay on schedule with its scripted plays and early down calls. If pressure arrives quickly up front, the Texans will face more third and long situations, which favor the Bills defense.

Special teams will quietly feel the effects of this list as well. With Berrios inactive, return duties and some coverage roles will shift to other players. In a close game, hidden yardage on punts and kickoffs often decides field position and momentum.

In short, the Texans inactives for Week 12 against the Bills tell the story of a roster battling through a demanding stretch of the season. Houston will need strong performances from its depth pieces to cover for the losses of Pitre, Stroud, Tomlinson and others. How well those replacements respond could decide whether the Texans keep pace in the AFC race on a big Thursday night stage.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who are the Texans inactives for Week 12 vs the Bills?

The Texans inactives list includes Jalen Pitre, C.J. Stroud, Braxton Berrios, Damone Clark, Jamal Hill, Jarrett Kingston and Laken Tomlinson. All seven were ruled out before the Week 12 kickoff at NRG Stadium.

Q2: How do the Texans inactives affect the offense?

C.J. Stroud being inactive keeps Davis Mills as the starter at quarterback. With Laken Tomlinson and Jarrett Kingston out, the offensive line must adjust its rotation while protecting the passer and supporting the run game.

Q3: What does Jalen Pitre’s absence mean for the Texans defense?

Pitre is a key presence in the secondary and a vocal leader. His absence forces other defensive backs to take on more responsibility in coverage, communication and tackling against a dangerous Bills offense.

Q4: Who might replace Braxton Berrios in the Texans lineup?

With Berrios inactive, other receivers and running backs may see more snaps in the slot and on special teams. Houston will look for secure hands and smart decisions in the return game to avoid mistakes in a prime time setting.

Q5: Why is the Texans inactives list important for Thursday Night Football?

The inactives list highlights which players will not be available in a high stakes, short week matchup. It guides how fans, analysts and coaches understand the game plan, depth chart changes and key matchups across the field.