Houston Texans Name Starting Quarterback For Week 12 Game

The Houston Texans officially ruled out star Quarterback C.J. Stroud for the pivotal matchup against the Buffalo Bills, leaving a Texas-sized hole under center. Even though Stroud made a welcome return to the practice field on Tuesday, he’s still tangled up in the NFL’s concussion protocol, which is about as easy to escape as a phone call with a telemarketer.

So, for the third straight week, it’s the Davis Mills show. No pressure. He just has the weight of a franchise, a city’s dreams, and a high-stakes AFC playoff picture resting on his shoulders.

Can Mills Keep the Magic Alive For the Texans?

Since Stroud went down with a concussion back in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos, Mills has been more than just a clipboard holder. He’s stepped in and led the Texans to two consecutive victories, keeping their flickering playoff candle from being snuffed out. In his starts, he’s been slinging it, racking up 726 yards and 3 touchdowns against just 1 pick.

The Texans are sitting at a perfectly average 5-5, which in the chaotic world of the AFC, keeps them squarely “in the hunt.” But a loss to the Bills could send them tumbling down the standings faster than a Jenga tower in an earthquake. This game has massive playoff ramifications for both teams, making Stroud’s absence all the more gut-wrenching for the Houston faithful.

What’s Next For Stroud and Houston?

The good news? Stroud is practicing again. That’s a huge step. Head Coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the obvious: a short week just didn’t provide enough runway for Stroud to clear the league’s five-step concussion protocol. It is a bitter pill to swallow, but the team is wisely prioritizing its franchise quarterback’s long-term health over a single game, even one this important.

All signs point to a potential return for Stroud in Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts. Until then, it’s up to Mills to navigate a tough Bills defense and try to pull off another upset. The oddsmakers in Vegas aren’t exactly betting the farm on Houston, listing them as 3.5-point underdogs at home. Can Mills prove them wrong again? He will have to do it without Safety Jalen Pitre, who is also missing his third straight game with a concussion.

For the Texans, this is a moment of truth. Is their recent success a fluke, or has this team built a culture that can withstand losing its best player? We’re about to find out under the bright lights of Thursday Night Football.