Stroud and Pitre Out for Thursday Night Game
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud will not be available for the “Thursday Night Football” game against the Buffalo Bills, according to coach DeMeco Ryans announced on Tuesday. Stroud has not yet cleared concussion protocol, although he has shown progress by practicing in a limited capacity on Tuesday. He is expected to be ready to play against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13. Safety Jalen Pitre, who also suffered a concussion against the Broncos in Week 9 and has missed the last two games, will also not be available. Pitre practiced this week but was unable to clear the protocol. Ryans cited the lack of time as one of the main reasons why Stroud and Pitre will not be available.This will be the third consecutive time that Stroud misses a game after suffering a concussion in Week 9. Backup quarterback Davis Mills has had a 2-0 record in Stroud’s absence, highlighting two game-winning drives against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans. The last time Stroud suffered a concussion, in 2023, he missed two games. The Texans will need another good performance from Mills, who has led the offense to 22.5 points per game in his two starts, throwing three touchdowns and one interception. After starting 0-3, the Texans are back to a .500 record and are firmly in the AFC playoff race. Houston (5-5) is the eighth seed, behind the Jaguars (6-4) for the last AFC wild card spot. The Thursday night game could have significant implications for Houston’s playoff hopes. A win would give them the direct tiebreaker over the Bills in the wild card race, as Buffalo currently holds the No. 5 seed in the AFC standings. The Texans enter the game with a 26% chance of making the playoffs; if Houston wins on Thursday, their chances will increase to 37%. A loss would reduce them to 15%.Both players are progressing, they are improving. But right now, with the short-term game on Thursday, there simply aren’t enough days for those guys to be available.
DeMeco Ryans
