The Houston Texans are riding high entering Week 11. They are coming off a 36-29 fourth-quarter comeback win over a divisional opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars. They did so despite starting quarterback C.J. Stroud, who suffered a concussion the week prior against the Denver Broncos, being inactive.
Instead, it was the unlikely heroics of backup quarterback Davis Mills and a clutch performance from Houston’s high-powered defense.
As of Nov. 13, Stroud remains in concussion protocol. Houston must decide whether it’s worth the risk of rushing Stroud back or trusting Mills for another week against the Tennessee Titans. If they know what’s best for them, Stroud should remain on the sidelines in Nashville.
Let Stroud Sit
This wouldn’t be the first time Stroud missed a game against Tennessee. During his rookie season in 2023, he missed a game against the Titans. That time, Case Keenum took the helm and led the Texans to a 19-16 overtime victory. The win kept Houston alive in the playoff race. This week could do the same.
The Texans enter Sunday’s matchup with a 4-5 record and a chance to further close the gap between them and a playoff spot.
Houston fans would love to have Stroud back on the field, but he should use this week to rest, regardless of whether he is cleared in time. The adage that coaches must protect players from themselves is true. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans needs to do that for Stroud this week.
When these two teams faced off in Week 4, the Texans thumped Tennessee 26-0. The Titans are already looking ahead to 2026 and are more focused on development and draft positioning than winning.
Let Mills and company handle things this weekend.
What’s Next?
The biggest positive to allowing Stroud to get extra time to rest for the stretch of games to come after Tennessee: the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football (a short week), the Kansas City Chiefs, and the surprising division-leading Indianapolis Colts. Those teams are a combined 19-9 entering the week, and all stand in the way of Houston holding a playoff spot.
A healthy and rested Stroud going against those three AFC contenders will allow Houston to control its own destiny. These next four games will make or break the Texans’ season.
Getting C.J. Stroud healthy will be the key to it all.
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