C.J. Stroud injury update: Texans QB ruled out with concussion after taking heavy hit vs. Broncos

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud suffered an apparent head injury in the second quarter of Houston's Week 9 matchup with the Denver Broncos.

The 24-year-old quarterback has enjoyed a solid if unspectacular start to the season, tallying 1,623 yards and 11 touchdowns on 66.8 percent passing. If he were ruled out for any length of time, he'd add to the Texans' injury list that already featured WR Nico Collins earlier in the year.

Here's what you need to know.

MORE: Complete Week 9 coverage map for CBS, Fox regional broadcasts

CJ Stroud injury update

Stroud suffered his injury a little more than a minute into the second quarter. The Texans' hurler evaded the pass rush before sliding short of the first-down marker on third down.

While going down, Stroud was caught by Broncos CB Kris Abrams-Draine. Abrams-Draine didn't appear to catch Stroud in the head. However, Stroud landed awkwardly, hitting his head hard on the ground as he went down.

Video of the injury can be found here.

Houston's medical personnel tended to Stroud on the field. He was summarily evaluated for a concussion in the medical tent. The Texans initially ruled him as questionable to return. He was eventually downgraded to out.

Stroud's foundation posted a picture of him following the game, confirming that he, indeed, is okay.

Via The CJ Stroud Foundation pic.twitter.com/gZkwMMKLXJ

— Dylan Delgatto (@DDelgattoNFL_) November 2, 2025

On Monday, head coach DeMeco ryans said that Stroud remains in concussion protocol, although he is felling better.

Texans QB CJ Stroud remains in concussion protocol today. “He’s feeling a little bit better,” Texans HC DeMeco Ryans said about Stroud. “We’ll see how the week goes and how he progresses throughout the week. Davis [Mills] if he has to step in and play, we expect him to go out and…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 3, 2025

Who is Texans backup QB?

If Stroud were to miss any time, Houston's backup QB is Davis Mills. Mills has been a fixture in the Texans' QB room, serving as Houston's primary starter during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He has played sparingly since Stroud's arrival in 2023. Ahead of Sunday's game, he completed 2-of-4 passes for 23 yards in 2025.

Is C.J. Stroud out?

The Texans officially ruled Stroud out with a concussion.