Texans QB CJ Stroud ruled out with concussion vs Broncos

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud suffered a concussion during a Week 9 game against the Denver Broncos after a late slide and a hit by Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, which caused his head to hit the turf hard. Stroud was ruled out for the remainder of the game and replaced by veteran backup Davis Mills, marking Stroud's second concussion in less than two years. Prior to the injury, Stroud had completed 6 of 10 passes for 79 yards and led the Texans into field goal range twice, continuing a solid performance streak following a 318-yard, two-touchdown game the previous week. The hit initially drew a penalty flag for unnecessary roughness, but the call was overturned after review, ruling the contact legal as there was no head or neck contact. Stroud's availability for upcoming games remains uncertain as he undergoes concussion protocol, with the Texans expected to take a cautious approach given the seriousness of head injuries. His injury adds difficulty to the Texans' offensive plans as they seek balance in the season amid AFC competition.