Houston Texans fans were left holding their breath Sunday as C.J. Stroud, the team’s breakout quarterback, exited the Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos with a concussion following a violent hit in the second quarter.
Stroud’s Injury Shakes Up Texans’ Season
Stroud, who has been the heartbeat of Houston’s offense, was injured during a 6-yard scramble when Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine lunged into his shoulder as Stroud slid to the turf. The impact caused the back of Stroud’s head to bounce hard off the ground—a moment that immediately drew concern from teammates and fans alike.
Medical staff rushed onto the field as Stroud lay motionless for several minutes. He eventually got up, walked to the sideline, and entered the medical tent before heading to the locker room for concussion evaluation. The Texans quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game, with backup Davis Mills stepping in under center.
Officials Overturn Penalty Amid Controversy
Initially, Abrams-Draine was flagged for unnecessary roughness, but after review, officials overturned the call, stating there was no contact with Stroud’s head or neck. The reversal sparked debate among analysts and fans, with many questioning the league’s consistency on protecting quarterbacks.
Stroud’s Recent Performance and Impact
Before the injury, Stroud was 6-for-10 for 79 yards and had rushed twice for 12 yards. He was coming off a stellar performance last week against the San Francisco 49ers, where he threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as one of the NFL’s rising stars.
This marks Stroud’s second concussion since joining the league—his first occurred in December 2023 against the New York Jets in a similar fashion, raising concerns about his long-term health and durability.
What’s Next for Houston?
With Stroud sidelined, the Texans will rely on Davis Mills, a third-year quarterback with 26 career starts, to keep their playoff hopes alive. Mills has shown flashes of competence but lacks the dynamic playmaking ability that has made Stroud a fan favorite and a contender for future MVP discussions.
The Texans’ coaching staff and medical team will monitor Stroud closely in the coming days, with no clear timeline for his return. Given the NFL’s heightened focus on concussion protocols, it’s likely Houston will proceed with caution.
Expert Commentary: The Ripple Effect
As an experienced sports journalist, I’ve seen how a single injury can alter the trajectory of a season. Stroud’s absence not only impacts Houston’s playoff chances but also reignites the debate over quarterback safety in the NFL. With two concussions in less than two years, the Texans must weigh the risks of rushing their star back onto the field.
For fans, the hope is that Stroud recovers quickly and returns to his electrifying form. For the league, this incident is another reminder of the physical toll football takes—even on its brightest young stars.
Sources
1. Texans QB C.J. Stroud Out With Concussion vs. Broncos ...
2. Lions & Falcons trade could be telling for the draft
3. Texans QB C.J. Stroud evaluated for concussion, Davis ...
4. We were wrong about the longevity of quarterbacks
5. Texans' Stroud suffers concussion after hard hit
6. Houston Chronicle | Breaking Houston News, Weather, Sports ...
7. Texans QB C.J. Stroud suffers concussion, exits early in ...
8. CBS Sports - News, Live Scores, Schedules, Fantasy Games ...
9. Texans' CJ Stroud leaves game after brutal hit
10. NFL Power Rankings: Packers rise entering Week 1
11. DL Zach Allen takes down C.J. Stroud for third-down sack
12. Arrowheadlines: No need to panic yet
13. 2025 NFL mock draft with all trades: Deals for Round 1 picks
14. Ultimate Fan: Broncos' pass rush, run game keys to beating ...
