Stroud and Pitre Out for Texans Game Against Bills
Quarterback C.J. Stroud will not be available for the Houston Texans game against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, according to coach DeMeco Ryans. 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 available 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 on the field. Pitre practiced this week, but was unable to clear the protocol.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 effective 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 a season start with 0-3, the Texans have managed to reach .500 and are in the race for the AFC playoffs. Houston (5-5) occupies the eighth position, behind the Jaguars (6-4) for the last AFC wildcard spot. The Thursday night game could have major implications for Houston’s playoffs. A win would give them the direct tiebreaker over the Bills in the wild card race, as Buffalo currently holds the fifth 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
