Texans Face Titans Without Stroud: Mills Steps Up Again
Houston Texans fans, get ready for another game without star quarterback C.J. Stroud. He will miss his second consecutive game this Sunday as the team travels to face the Tennessee Titans, continuing his recovery from a concussion.
With Stroud sidelined, Davis Mills is set to lead the offense, building on a strong performance from last week. The team also faces other key absences, adding to the challenge of their upcoming divisional matchup.
C.J. Stroud’s Concussion: The Backstory
Stroud sustained his concussion early in the second quarter of the November 2nd loss to the Denver Broncos. He scrambled for 6 yards and was hit on the shoulder near the end of his slide by Kris Abrams-Draine, causing the back of his head to violently bounce off the ground. Initially flagged for unnecessary roughness, the call was later overturned, with officials stating no contact was made with Stroud’s head or neck.
Stroud remained on the ground for a few minutes while he was tended to by the medical staff. He eventually got up and walked to the sideline and entered the medical tent before going to the locker room and eventually being ruled out. This incident marks his second concussion since joining the NFL in 2023, with his first occurring in December 2023 against the Jets, raising concerns for his long-term health.
Filling Big Shoes: Davis Mills Steps In
With C.J. Stroud sidelined, quarterback Davis Mills will get his second straight start. Last week, Mills led the Texans to a remarkable 36-29 victory over Jacksonville, throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for the go-ahead score after rallying from a 19-point fourth-quarter deficit. His ability to step into a high-pressure situation and secure a crucial win provides a significant boost of confidence for the team moving forward.
Key Absences for Sunday’s Game
The Texans’ injury woes extend beyond their star quarterback. Safety Jalen Pitre will also miss his second consecutive game, having sustained a concussion during the same Broncos matchup. Additionally, reliable kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn is sidelined for his second straight week, recovering from a quadriceps injury, also suffered against the Broncos. These absences will further test the depth and resilience of the Texans squad as they prepare for a tough road game.
QB Comparison: Stroud vs. Mills (Recent Performance)
| Quarterback | Status (Titans Game) | Last Game Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| C.J. Stroud | Out (Concussion) | Injured early in Broncos game (Nov 2) |
| Davis Mills | Starting | 2 TD passes, go-ahead rush in 36-29 win vs. Jaguars |
Upcoming Challenge: Facing the Tennessee Titans
This Sunday’s visit to the Tennessee Titans will be a critical divisional contest for the Houston Texans. Without Stroud, Pitre, and Fairbairn, the team faces an uphill battle. The focus will be on Mills to replicate his recent success and for the remaining roster to step up defensively and in special teams. Houston fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to these challenges and if they can continue their winning momentum despite the key injuries. This game is a true test of the team’s depth and grit on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is C.J. Stroud playing against the Titans this Sunday?
No, C.J. Stroud is out for his second consecutive game as he continues to recover from a concussion. - Who will start at quarterback for the Texans against the Titans?
Davis Mills will start at quarterback for the Houston Texans for the second week in a row. - What was the nature of Stroud’s injury?
Stroud sustained a concussion during a 6-yard scramble in the second quarter of the November 2nd game against the Denver Broncos, when his head hit the ground after a tackle. - Are there other notable Texans players injured for the Titans game?
Yes, safety Jalen Pitre (concussion) and kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (quadriceps) are also sidelined for their second straight game. - Is this C.J. Stroud’s first concussion?
No, this is Stroud’s second concussion since joining the NFL in 2023; his first occurred in December 2023 against the Jets.
Houston fans, while the absence of key players is always tough, the Texans have shown resilience. Keep an eye on Davis Mills’ leadership as the team battles the Titans this Sunday, hoping to continue their winning ways and secure another crucial victory on the road.
Texans Face Titans Without Stroud Mills Steps Up Again
