Texans’ C.J. Stroud officially ruled out for Bills game along with Jalen Pitre: ‘C.J. and Jalen will be out’

HOUSTON – Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and nickel Jalen Pitre were officially ruled out for a Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills.

Davis Mills will be QB1 again as he tries to go 3-0 in place of Stroud.

Both players remain under the restrictions of the NFL concussion protocol.

Both practice Tuesday, but it was too short a time span for them to be cleared.

“C.J. and Jalen will be out,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryan said. “Both guys are progressing. They’re doing better. Right now, with the short turnaround game on Thursday, just don’t have enough days for those guys to be available.”

The Texans had a walkthrough Monday and issued an estimated injury report if they had a full practice. Stroud didn’t participate, but Pitre returned to practice and remains under the NFL concussion protocol. Both players are trending to be back for next week against the Indianapolis Colts.

Although Stroud is feeling better with symptoms of sensitivity to light and headaches subsiding, per sources, the timing of the game and the requirement of practicing twice with no symptoms and being cleared by an independent neurologist has a negative impact on his availability.

This will be the third game in a row Stroud has been sidelined after suffering a concussion against the Denver Broncos on a legal shoulder hit from cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine while sliding. Just like his concussion as a rookie against the New York Jets on a hit from Quinnen Williams, Stroud was sent flying backwards with the back of his helmet crashing into the ground.

Pitre has dealt with headaches, per sources.

“We’re hopeful for C.J. to get back healthy, that’s the first thing, the most important thing,” Ryan said Monday. “As of right now, it’s nothing that I can do from my seat here. I’m just praying for those guys to just get back healthy.”

A former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl selection, Stroud has been back in the Texans’ building for treatment and meetings. He is making progress.

“Speedy recovery, my guy, 7,” Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins said Sunday after a 16-13 win over the Tennessee Titans. “You don’t want nobody missing games, especially with your brain. You only get one so, you got to take care of that. We miss him, for sure, but the health is important.”

Meanwhile, Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn is expected back from a right quadriceps injury. Fairbairn participated fully Monday.

Right guard Ed Ingram was a full participant after missing the past two games with a sprained knee and is trending toward making his return Thursday night, barring any setbacks. If Ingram can’t go, Tytus Howard will play right guard again and Trent Brown will play right tackle.

The following players participated fully: Fairbairn, Ingram, Davis Mills (left elbow), Braxton Berrios (quadriceps), Myles Bryant (ankle), Jake Hansen (elbow) and Cade Stover (foot).

Several players were limited: Azeez Al-Shaair (knee, illness), Pitre, Collins (ankle), Anderson Jr. (ankle), Howard (ankle, knee), Trent Brown (hand, knee), Schultz and Denico Autry (limited).

Most of the injuries are relatively minor and they wouldn’t be listed if it hadn’t been the day after a game. The short week is having an increased effect on the injury report listing.

Texans Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter was evaluated for a potential concussion, but was cleared medically.

“Danielle is fine,” Ryans said.

Texans tight end Dalton Schultz has been playing through a lingering shoulder injury and was on the injury report as limited.

“Dalton continues to play really great football for us,” Ryans said. “Dalton shows up in critical moments, making plays, and he’s fighting through, as everybody is at this time, fighting through injuries and things of that nature, but he continues to scrap, he continues to battle.

“It’s important to him to go out and play his best for his teammates and he shows that. He puts it on the line every single week, and I’m proud of the toughness and grit that he’s showing.”

Mills is 2-0 as the starter in place of Stroud. The backup has passed for three touchdown passes and one interception and ran for a game-winning touchdown.

A former third-round draft pick from Stanford who was the Texans’ starting quarterback until the Texans drafted Stroud second overall out of Ohio State in 2023 when he was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Mills improved to 7-19-1 as a starter.

Now, the Texans (5-5) have reached the .500 mark for the first time this season after consecutive wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. They’re in the mix in the AFC wild-card playoff race, currently ranking eighth in the playoff standings with seven games remaining in the regular season.

Mills engineered the first two one-score wins of the season over the past two weeks. Previously, the Texans were 0-5 in those situations.

Without Mills and his cool demeanor, perhaps the Texans don’t win those games.

His calm matters.

“Yeah, for sure, 1,000 percent man,” Collins said. “Every time Mills steps in the huddle, it’s always calm, next play, everybody slow down, breathe, one play at a time, man. His calmness really just calms everyone down and that’s how you execute."

Mills, a former third-round draft pick from Stanford who started before Stroud was drafted second overall in 2023, has completed 60 percent of his throws for 726 yards, three touchdowns and one interception for an 82.2 passer rating. He scrambled for the game-winning touchdown against the Jaguars to ice the game.

“He’s always cool, calm, collected,” Howard said. He’s very poised. He’s somebody he’s always been since I’ve known him for the past five years. I’m with him very day, we’re locker mates, so I know him pretty well. He’s a great guy."

Mills has built a good relationship with offensive coordinator Nick Caley, who has been impressed with his work ethic.

“He’s got great command, total command,” Caley said. “He’s into it. He’s very smart, very hardworking. He prepares. He works at it. He’s here early, stays late, watches a lot of tape. So, first class in every way and really cares about the position.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KRPC 2 and click2houston.com

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