Is CJ Stroud Playing This Week? Latest Injury Update and Fantasy Football Outlook on Texans QB

Two years ago, Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud shone as a rookie, bringing home the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Stroud completed 63.9% percent of his passes for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He also rushed for three touchdowns.

In the last two seasons, the Texans and Stroud have been searching for that same success, but find themselves with a 3-5 record heading into Week 10.

CJ Stroud Injury Update

During the beginning of the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, CJ Stroud scrambled and rushed the ball. As the Broncos defense was closing in on him, Stroud slid, and was sandwiched between two Broncos defenders. As he hit the ground, he banged his head on the turf and was slow to get up.

As a result, he left the game with a concussion and did not return.

CJ Stroud #texans

Gets hit hard while trying to slide, head slams into the turf. Likely getting a concussion screen pic.twitter.com/QE4it2bWHS

— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) November 2, 2025

When Could CJ Stroud Return?

CJ Stroud won’t play this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars as he’s officially been ruled out. Head coach DeMeco Ryans did say that Stroud is ‘feeling better’ although not good enough to be active this week.

Ryan’s comments suggest that Stroud could be back a week later against the Tennessee Titans in Week 11. Stroud would have to clear concussion protocol first though.

CJ Stroud Fantasy Outlook

CJ Stroud has had a hard time replicating the success he’s had in his rookie season the last two years. Through eight games, he has thrown for 1,702 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Additionally, he has 189 yards rushing.

Stroud ranks 19th in passing yards and is tied for the 19th most passing touchdowns. The Texans’ offense hasn’t been as explosive as it has been the last two seasons, and a big reason for that is running back Joe Mixon being inactive all year.

Stroud isn’t a top fantasy quarterback, so finding a replacement for him if needed to this week shouldn’t be a big deal.

Who Is CJ Stroud’s Backup?

CJ Stroud‘s backup is Davis Mills. Mills was a third-round pick by the Texans in the 2021 NFL Draft and has been with the team since. He started 25 games for the Texans from 2021-2022 and went 5-19-1. In Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, Mills completed 20-of-36 passes for 212 yards.

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