Texans' QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) back at practice

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud took part in a light practice Tuesday but has not yet cleared concussion protocol.

The team in on a short week, with the Buffalo Bills coming to Houston for a Thursday night game.

Stroud, 24, missed the past two weeks. Davis Mills started at quarterback and led the Texans (5-5) to back-to-back wins against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

It appears likely Mills will start Thursday against the Bills (7-3).

Stroud was injured during the second quarter of an 18-15 home loss to the Denver Broncos on Nov. 2 when the back of his helmet struck the turf at the end of a scramble.

In the two-plus games since the injury to Stroud, Mills is 70-of-116 passing (60.3%) for 703 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He has added one rushing TD.

Stroud has passed for 1,702 yards with 11 TDs and five interceptions this season. Since being drafted No. 2 overall in 2023, the only other games he has missed were also due to a concussion in Weeks 15-16 of his rookie season.