C.J. Stroud Injured: Texans QB Suffers Concussion Against Broncos

C.J. Stroud’s performance in the Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos ended prematurely due to a concussion sustained in the second quarter on November 5, 2023. The Houston Texans quarterback was injured while attempting to slide after a scramble, leading to a significant hit to his head. Following the incident, Stroud was evaluated for a concussion, which ultimately led to him being ruled out for the remainder of the game.

The injury occurred during a crucial third-and-8 play, as Stroud scrambled up the middle for six yards, falling just short of the first down marker. Kris Abrams-Draine, a cornerback for the Broncos, made contact with Stroud, hitting him in the chest and shoulder area. The impact caused Stroud to fall hard onto the turf, with the back of his head making forceful contact with the ground. Initially, officials flagged Abrams-Draine for unnecessary roughness, but after reviewing the play, they reversed the call, stating there was no direct contact to Stroud’s head or neck.

Stroud managed to walk off the field independently but was taken to the blue medical tent for further evaluation. Eventually, he was escorted to the locker room for additional tests, where he was diagnosed with a concussion. During the game, he completed 6 of 10 passes for 79 yards and had two carries for 12 rushing yards before leaving the field.

In Stroud’s absence, Davis Mills stepped in as the Texans’ quarterback. Mills completed 12 of 19 passes for 109 yards, leading the team to a 15-7 lead against the Broncos. The Texans, who started the season with a 0-3 record, have shown improvement, winning three of their last four games. A victory against Denver would elevate their winning percentage to .500 and potentially snap the Broncos’ five-game winning streak.

As the Texans look ahead, injury analyst Deepak Chona indicated that Stroud is likely to miss upcoming games. The implications of his injury could significantly affect the Texans’ playoff aspirations as they navigate the rest of the season.

Fans of the Houston Texans are encouraged to stay updated on the latest developments regarding Stroud’s condition and the team’s schedule as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot in the competitive NFL landscape.