Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud will not participate in the upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills on November 30, 2023, due to not having cleared the concussion protocol, according to head coach DeMeco Ryans. Although Stroud practiced in a limited capacity on Tuesday, he has not yet met the necessary criteria to return to play.
Stroud’s absence marks his third consecutive game missed since suffering a concussion during Week 9 against the Denver Broncos. His backup, Davis Mills, has stepped in effectively, leading the Texans to victories over the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans. Mills has directed the offense to an average of 22.5 points per game in those starts, throwing three touchdowns and one interception.
Team Updates and Playoff Implications
Safety Jalen Pitre, who also sustained a concussion in Week 9, will join Stroud on the sidelines as he has not cleared the protocol either. Ryans highlighted the short preparation time as a significant factor in their unavailability, stating, “Both guys are progressing, they’re doing better. But right now with the short turnaround game on Thursday, just don’t have enough days for those guys to be available.”
The Texans are currently sitting at 5-5 and have worked their way back into playoff contention after starting the season with three losses. They currently hold the No. 8 seed in the AFC, trailing the Jaguars for the final wild card spot. With a win against the Bills, who are positioned fifth in the AFC standings, Houston would gain a crucial head-to-head tiebreaker.
According to ESPN Analytics, the Texans have a 26% chance of making the playoffs. A victory on Thursday would boost those odds to 37%, while a loss could drop their chances to 15%. The stakes are high as the Texans aim to solidify their playoff aspirations against a formidable opponent.
As the Texans gear up for this pivotal match, the performance of Mills will be critical. In his previous starts, he has demonstrated the ability to lead the team effectively, but the challenge against the Bills will test the depth and resilience of the Houston roster.
