Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud suffered an apparent head injury in the second quarter of Houston's Week 9 matchup with the Denver Broncos.
The 24-year-old quarterback has enjoyed a solid if unspectacular start to the season, tallying 1,623 yards and 11 touchdowns on 66.8 percent passing. Should he be sidelined for an extended period, he would join the Texans' growing list of injured players, which previously included WR Nico Collins earlier in the season.
Here's what you need to know.
MORE: Complete Week 9 coverage map for CBS, Fox regional broadcasts
Stroud injured, status unclear
Stroud sustained his injury just over a minute into the second quarter. The Texans' pitcher avoided the rush to the passer, then slid before reaching the first-down line on third down.
As he descended, Stroud was apprehended by Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine. Stroud didn't seem to be hit in the head by Abrams-Draine. Stroud's landing was awkward, and he struck his head forcefully on the ground upon falling.
Video of the injury can be found here.
Houston's medical personnel tended to Stroud on the field. He was summarily evaluated for a concussion in the medical tent. The Texans initially ruled him as questionable to return. He was eventually downgraded to out.
Stroud's foundation posted a picture of him following the game, confirming that he, indeed, is okay.
Via The CJ Stroud Foundation pic.twitter.com/gZkwMMKLXJ
— Dylan Delgatto (@DDelgattoNFL_) November 2, 2025
On Monday, head coach DeMeco ryans said that Stroud remains in concussion protocol, although he is felling better.
Texans QB CJ Stroud remains in concussion protocol today. “He’s feeling a little bit better,” Texans HC DeMeco Ryans said about Stroud. “We’ll see how the week goes and how he progresses throughout the week. Davis [Mills] if he has to step in and play, we expect him to go out and…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 3, 2025
The Texans' backup quarterback is Davis Mills.
Should Stroud be sidelined, Davis Mills is Houston's secondary quarterback. Mills has been a fixture in the Texans' QB room, serving as Houston's primary starter during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He has played sparingly since Stroud's arrival in 2023. Ahead of Sunday's game, he completed 2-of-4 passes for 23 yards in 2025.
C.J. Stroud injured?
The Texans officially ruled Stroud out with a concussion.