Texans' Stroud, Pitre ruled out for Bills game; Mills to start at QB again
The Houston Texans will face the Buffalo Bills without their starting quarterback C.J. Stroud, who remains sidelined due to a concussion.
Why it matters: Stroud's absence puts significant pressure on backup Davis Mills as he attempts to secure a crucial win for the Texans in their playoff push. Currently at 5-5, the Texans are vying for a wild-card spot in the competitive AFC.
- A victory against the Bills could improve Houston's playoff odds from 26% to 37%, while a loss would drop them to just 15%.
- The Texans currently sit at No. 8 in the AFC standings, trailing the Jacksonville Jaguars for the final wild-card position.
What’s new: Stroud has missed three consecutive games since sustaining his concussion in Week 9 and is expected to return for the following week’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
- Safety Jalen Pitre also remains out due to a concussion but has shown improvement in practice.
- Head coach DeMeco Ryans emphasized that both players were progressing but lacked enough time to be ready for the Thursday night game.
By the numbers: In Stroud's absence, Mills has led the Texans to a 2-0 record as a starter.
- He has thrown for an average of 22.5 points per game during this stretch, completing three touchdown passes against one interception.
- His performances included crucial game-winning drives against both the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans.
Yes, but: While Mills has stepped up, the challenge posed by the Bills' defense will be a significant test.
- The Bills rank among the top defenses in the league, adding pressure on Mills to perform under scrutiny.
- Houston's success will depend on how well Mills can adapt to the Bills’ defensive schemes, which often utilize a mix of zone coverage and aggressive blitz packages.
What to watch: All eyes will be on Mills as he leads the Texans against a formidable opponent.
- His ability to maintain composure and execute plays will be critical in determining the outcome of the game.
- Additionally, the dynamics of the Texans' offense could change, requiring effective adjustments from offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
The bottom line: The Texans face a pivotal moment in the season, with playoff implications hinging on their performance against the Bills. As Mills steps into the spotlight, the team hopes to leverage its momentum to clinch a vital victory.
