Texans putting more strain on defense with C.J. Stroud ruled out for Week 10

The NFL's best defense can't catch a break.

On Wednesday, the Houston Texans (3-5) revealed that quarterback C.J. Stroud (concussion) will miss a pivotal Week 10 divisional game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3). Fifth-year veteran Davis Mills will start.

Houston Texans defensive will be tested further with C.J. Stroud out for Week 10

Stroud's absence is a major blow to Houston's chances of sneaking back into the playoff picture in the second half of the season. In 26 starts from 2021-22, Mills threw 32 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He averaged 216.6 passing yards per game, and the Texans went 5-19-1, scoring 16.8 points per game and being held under 20 points 14 times.

Mills is unlikely to spark a turnaround for an offense that ranks No. 24 in scoring (21 points per game). Stroud has had difficulty producing behind arguably the league's worst offensive line, making it unrealistic Mills will fare any better. Per ESPN, the Texans rank last in run-block win rate and No. 26 in pass-block win rate.

With little hope for offensive improvement against the Jaguars, Houston's defense will once again be under enormous pressure. It's more than held up on its end so far, ranking first in scoring defense (15.1 points per game) and total defense (267.4 yards per game). It hasn't been enough, however, with the Texans already 3.5 games behind the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts (7-2) for the division lead.

A loss on Sunday to Jacksonville would be hard for Houston to overcome. It has two games remaining against the Colts, as well as games against the Buffalo Bills (6-2), Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) and Los Angeles Chargers (6-3). Even if the Texans went 3-2 against those teams — which is a tough ask — it would be looking at a 9-8 record, assuming it wins its other remaining games against the Arizona Cardinals (3-5), Tennessee Titans (1-8) and Las Vegas Raiders (2-6).

The Texans risk wasting an elite season from their defense, which is made even more frustrating considering the offense's struggles aren't a surprise. Many of the problems that ailed them a season ago — an inconsistent run game, terrible offensive line play — have derailed their 2025.

With the offense flailing, the Texans defense must pitch something close to a shutout for the team to have a chance of winning. It's a heavy load to bear, and with Stroud out, it's only getting heavier.