The Houston Texans received good news regarding C.J. Stroud, who returned to practice this Tuesday, according to the latest reports. However, as the Texans play Thursday Night Football this week, Stroud will not return to action.
Texans QB CJ Stroud is out for Thursday night’s matchup vs the Bills. He still has not cleared out of concussion protocol.
Texans QB Davis Mills starts again.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 18, 2025
The Texans have been following the concussion protocol with Stroud since the player suffered one during Week 9’s defeat to the Denver Broncos. In his place has stepped in Davis Mills, who has helped his team win the last two games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans, taking Houston to an overall record of 5-5.
Did C.J. Stroud Practice Today?
Yes, C.J. Stroud was seen at practice on Tuesday. Coach DeMeco Ryan gave an update on the player’s status, telling reporters that Stroud was:
“progressing and doing better.”
However, he also clarified that due to the short week they were facing this time around, the player wouldn’t be available for the game against the Bills on Thursday night.
Will C.J. Stroud Play Week 12 Vs. The Bills?
No. Coach DeMeco Ryan told reporters that C.J. Stroud was recovering well but would not be ready to play against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday due to the short week.
C.J. Stroud Fantasy Outlook
Don’t use C.J. Stroud this week, as he won’t be playing. He’s still recovering from a concussion he suffered in Week 9 during the defeat to the Denver Broncos. However, keep him, as it’s likely that he will return to playing status next week. The Texans need him in a final push to make the postseason.
Fantasy Replacements for C.J. Stroud This Week
Davis Mills is the obvious choice to replace C.J. Stroud. He has done well in the last two games, in which he stepped in for the injured starter. He has thrown over 250 yards in both games (against the Jaguars and Titans) and has helped the Texans win both encounters. In total, he has 726 passing yards, with three touchdowns and one interception this season.
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