Davis Mills will start Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars after Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud’s concussionsidelines him for Week 10. DeMeco Ryans confirmed Wednesday that the 24-year-old quarterback needs more time recovering from the head injury suffered against Denver.
Houston Texans Turn to Former Starter After C.J. Stroud
Houston Texans Turn to Former Starter After C.J. Stroud (Image Via Instagram/@cj7stroud)
The hit happened during the second quarter on Sunday when Kris Abrams-Draine caught Stroud sliding. The Broncos defensive back hit Stroud’s shoulder hard, causing the quarterback’s head to slam against the turf. Referees threw a flag for a late hit, but picked it up after discussion.
Texans QB C.J. Stroud ruled out in Week 10 vs. Jaguars. Davis Mills will start. pic.twitter.com/dAmn2HzBtG
— NFL (@NFL) November 5, 2025
Stroud walked off under his own power but never returned to the game. Mills took over with Houston trailing and nearly delivered a comeback victory. The backup quarterback drove the offense to first-and-goal at the 2-yard line before a holding penalty derailed the scoring chance.
Houston’sstruggles on third down killed their chances throughout the game. The Texans converted just 3 of 17 third-down attempts in the 18-15 loss. Wil Lutz buried a 34-yard field goal as time expired to complete Denver’s rally at NRG Stadium.
This marks Stroud’s second diagnosed concussion in the NFL. He missed two games in 2023 after suffering a concussion against the Jets. The recurring head injuries create concern about his long-term health despite being just 24 years old.
Davis Mills Faces Familiar Opponent
Mills knows Jacksonville well from his previous stint as Houston’s starter. The former third-round pick started 23 games for the Texans from 2021-2023 before Stroud’s arrival pushed him to backup duties. Sunday offers Mills a chance to prove he still belongs in starting conversations.
The Jaguars present a winnable matchup for Houston despite the quarterback change. Jacksonville struggles defensively and sits near the bottom of multiple statistical categories.
Mills should have opportunities to move the ball if the offensive line provides adequate protection.
Houston’s playoff hopes depend on navigating this injury without collapsing. The AFC South remains competitive with multiple teams fighting for positioning.
Dropping games to division rivals like Jacksonville would severely damage the Texans’ chances of making the postseason.
Ryans must adjust his offensive approach to fit Mills’ strengths. The backup quarterback lacks Stroud’s mobility and arm talent, but brings experience and a deep understanding of the system. Houston will likely emphasize shorter passes and rely more heavily on the running game.
The timeline for Stroud’s return remains uncertain under the concussion protocol. He must clear multiple stages before receiving medical clearance to return to play.
Houston’s schedule includes several tough opponents after Jacksonville, making Stroud’s recovery timeline critical.
Mills performed adequately in relief duty on Sunday despite the loss. He showed composure in pressure situations and made smart decisions with the football.
That performance gives Houston confidence heading into Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.