What Happened to CJ Stroud?
Stroud hit his head hard on the turf after Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine tackled him during a 6-yard scramble in the second quarter. He was trying to slide feet first when the hit occurred.
Medical staff attended to him on the field before escorting him to the blue medical tent and then the locker room. He had thrown for 79 yards on 6 of 10 passes before leaving the game.
The hit was ruled clean with no penalty called. The NFL also decided not to fine Abrams-Draine for the play.
Why Is CJ Stroud Not Playing?
Stroud missed the Texans' Week 10 game against Jacksonville on November 10 because he didn't clear concussion protocol in time. The team ruled him out early in the week on November 5.
He didn't practice at all during the week leading up to the Jacksonville game. Without practice time, he couldn't progress through the required protocol steps.
Backup quarterback Davis Mills started in his place. Mills completed 27 of 45 passes for 292 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a 19-point comeback win.
When Will CJ Stroud Return?
Stroud remains in concussion protocol as of November 11, 2025. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said the team will monitor how he progresses throughout the week.
His status for the Week 11 game against Tennessee is still up in the air. He can't play until he clears all five phases of the NFL's return-to-play protocol and gets clearance from an independent neurological consultant.
Players typically miss about one week with concussions, but each case varies. Texans receiver Nico Collins had a concussion in Week 7 and missed just one game before returning.
Stroud's mother shared on Instagram that he's doing OK and eager to get back on the field. The family update doesn't change the medical process, but it signals good spirits as he works through recovery.
This marks Stroud's second documented concussion in the NFL. He missed two games as a rookie with a previous head injury.
Disclaimer:
CJ Stroud's injury status and recovery timeline are based on current reports and medical assessments. His return to play depends on how he progresses through the NFL's concussion protocol and clearance from an independent neurological consultant. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
