By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 21:53 GMT, 27 November 2025 | Updated: 21:53 GMT, 27 November 2025
HOUSTON (AP) - Houston´s C.J. Stroud was a full participant in practice Thursday for a second straight day, making it likely that he´ll return Sunday when the Texans visit Indianapolis in a key AFC South matchup after the quarterback missed the last three games recovering from a concussion.
Coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday that Stroud remained in the concussion protocol but he was hopeful he´d return this weekend. Ryans did not speak to reporters Thursday, but the team´s injury report listed Stroud as a full participant in practice. He also was listed as a full participant on Wednesday for the first time since he was injured.
Stroud was injured early in the second quarter of a loss to Denver on Nov. 2. He scrambled for 6 yards and was hit on the shoulder by Kris Abrams-Draine near the end of his slide, and the back of his head violently bounced off the ground.
He returned to practice last week in a limited capacity, but Ryans said the short week given the Thursday night game didn´t leave enough time for him to be ready to return for that game against the Bills.
Safety Jalen Pitre also was a full participant in practice Thursday after participating in a limited capacity a day earlier. He also missed three games because of a concussion sustained in the game against the Broncos.
Davis Mills started the last three games as the Texans (6-5) have leaned on their top-ranked defense [to go 3-0 and move above .500](https://apnews.com/article/texans-bills-score-05372341e6544630e67b5a2d01cb8949) for the first time this season.
The Colts lead the division at 8-3 and this will be the first of two meetings this season between these teams, who also play in the regular-season finale.
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