Texans Announce C.J. Stroud Development on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Nov 28, 2025 3:21 PM ET

The Houston Texans (6-5) are heading into Sunday's pivotal AFC South Clash against the Indianapolis Colts (8-3), riding a three-game winning streak despite being without starting quarterback C.J. Stroud.

The 2023 Pro Bowl quarterback suffered a concussion in the first quarter of the team's Nov. 2 loss to the Denver Broncos, paving the way for Davis Mills to step in and lead the team on a run. In Stroud's absence, Mills passed for 856 yards and five touchdowns to just one interception, while completing 58% of his passes.

While Mills has been more than serviceable in Stroud's absence, Texans fans have eagerly been awaiting the return of Stroud as they are currently on the outside looking in of the playoff picture.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Just a couple of days before the highly anticipated Week 13 matchup, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans spoke to the media on Friday with the news that fans have been waiting for.

"Just to start off I'll let you guys know Jalen (Pitre) and C.J. (Stroud) have cleared the concussion protocol," Ryans said. "So we're expecting both guys to participate on Sunday."

Before going down with the injury, Stroud threw for 1,702 yards with 11 touchdowns to five interceptions, completing 66.5% of his passes.

While the Texans are getting their QB back, the Colts' situation with Daniel Jones remains a question mark. In what has been a breakout season for the former New York Giants bust, it was announced on Thursday that he has a fracture in his fibula.

He seems to be on track to play, but a limited Jones and a healthy Stroud could very well work in favor of the Texans.

Sunday's game will kick at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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