Texans' Stroud ruled out again; Mills to start vs. Titans, following Week 10 heroics
The Houston Texans will rely on backup quarterback Davis Mills as they face the struggling Tennessee Titans, while starting QB C.J. Stroud continues to recover from a concussion.
Why it matters: The Texans are navigating a challenging situation with key injuries that could significantly affect their performance against the Titans, who currently hold a 1-8 record.
- Stroud's absence marks the second consecutive game he has missed due to a concussion, having faced similar circumstances earlier in his career.
- The Texans’ playoff aspirations hinge on their ability to stabilize their quarterback position and leverage Mills' potential.
What's new: C.J. Stroud, who has emerged as a promising young talent, suffered the concussion during the Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos after a hit from cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine.
- Stroud has not practiced since the injury, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming Week 12 clash against the Buffalo Bills.
- Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the status of both players, stating, “C.J. Stroud will miss his second straight game due to a concussion.”
What to watch: Davis Mills, elevated to starting quarterback, aims to build on a standout performance from Week 10 where he led the Texans to a comeback victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- In that game, Mills threw for 292 yards, completed 60% of his passes, tossed two touchdowns, and even scored on a 14-yard run.
- This will be a critical opportunity for Mills to showcase his abilities and perhaps secure his place within the team moving forward.
Yes, but: While Mills had a remarkable outing last week, consistency remains key for the Texans.
- Critics may argue that one strong performance does not guarantee success against a division rival like the Titans.
- The pressure will be on Mills to replicate his previous success without the luxury of Stroud’s advanced playmaking abilities.
The bottom line: With the Texans facing mounting injuries, particularly in the quarterback and safety positions, how they handle the transition to Mills will be pivotal in determining their competitiveness against the Titans.
- The Texans also have safety Jalen Pitre ruled out due to a concussion and kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn sidelined with a quad injury, further complicating their game plan.
- As the team strives to maintain momentum, every player must step up to navigate this challenging phase of the season.
