Kimberly Stroud delivered encouraging news about her son’s recovery during a C.J. Stroud Foundation event. The quarterback’s mother thanked the Houston Texans supporters while revealing he’s making steady progress from the concussion that’s keeping him out of Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud hugs his mother, Kim, after his workout on the Buckeyes’ pro day. CJ Stroud. Image Credit: © Lori Schmidt / Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud hugs his mother, Kim, after his workout on the Buckeyes’ pro day. CJ Stroud. Image Credit: © Lori Schmidt / Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Heremotional message showed gratitude for the overwhelming response to C.J.’s injury. “I just want to thank everyone for their prayers,” Kimberly told reporters on November 7. “The outpour of love for my son has just been amazing. It really made me know that people do see him beyond the field.”
#Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud @CJ7STROUD mom, Kimberly on how he’s feeling after concussion ‘I want to thank everyone for their prayers, the outpour of love has been amazing. He is progressing day by day. He is doing better each day. Of course, he wants to play’ @KPRC2 https://t.co/liK48KvRcr pic.twitter.com/tI2R1KURZu
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 7, 2025
The support reached the foundation from across the country. “There was so many people that wrote into the foundation and said just so many powerful words,” she explained. “And he is progressing day by day. Of course, he wants to play, so. But he’s doing better each day.”
C.J.hit his head on the turf after Denver cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine tackled him during a slide. Officials threw no flag because of where the contact occurred. The injury marks his second documented concussion in the NFL after missing two games during his rookie season.
Houston Turns to Davis Mills as CJ Stroud Sits and Waits for Clearance of Concussion Protocol
The quarterback must complete a five-step protocol before returning to play. An independent neurological consultant must clear him after passing all stages. He didn’t practice at all this past week, confirming he won’t face Jacksonville on Sunday.
Houston turns to Davis Mills for the second time this season after splitting games when Stroud missed action previously. Mills threw for 137 yards on 56.7 percent completion after replacing Stroud against Denver. The former third-round pick hasn’t started since Week 18 of the 2022 season.
DeMeco Ryans set clear expectations for his backup quarterback. “If Davis has to step in and play, we just expect him to go out and do his best,” Ryans said after the Denver loss. “Just play the offense the proper way, make great decisions with the football.”
Mills owns two of his five career victories against Jacksonville. The Jaguars beat Houston in Week 3 when the teams met in Jacksonville, setting up a revenge opportunity for the Texans backup.
Stroud has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 1,702 yards with 11 touchdowns against five interceptions this season. Those numbers show quality play before the concussion interrupted his year.
Kimberly posted that her son was “ok” on the foundation’s Instagram story along with a photo of them together. That reassurance helped ease concerns among Texans fans worried about their franchise quarterback’s health.
From #Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud’s foundation, mom Kimberly Stroud after his concussion today @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/NrQ50UJfus
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 2, 2025
Houston hopes to get Stroud back for Week 11 against Tennessee. The timeline depends on how quickly he progresses through concussion protocol stages. His mother’s comments suggest he’s moving in the right direction despite the frustrating wait.
The foundation event highlighted how C.J. impacts the community beyond the football field. Kimberly’s gratitude reflected the genuine connection between the quarterback and Houston fans who rallied around him during this scary moment.