What is C.J. Stroud's Timeline for Return to Texans amid Concussion Recovery?

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is "very close" to returning from a concussion, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"Had the game been on Sunday instead of Thursday, C.J. Stroud likely would have played," Rapoport reported prior to Houston's clash with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.

Stroud has not played since Nov. 2, when he suffered a concussion during the second quarter of a Week 9 loss to the Denver Broncos.

The Texans have since gone 2-0 with Davis Mills under center.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans ruled out Stroud two days the game against the Bills after telling reporters the short week hadn't left the quarterback enough time left to clear concussion protocol.

ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime reported the following day, however, that Stroud was expected to clear protocol in time for the Texans' Week 13 road game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The final stage of the NFL's concussion protocol dictates players must pass an examination by a third-part neurological consultant before returning to practice or games.

Stroud previously sat out two contests due to concussion in 2023, although the missed time didn't stop him from earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after racking up more than 4,100 passing yards.

He then played all 17 games in 2024 and started the first eight contests of the 2025 season before suffering his latest injury.

The Texans struggled during that early stretch of the 2025 campaign, marking a 3-5 record as Stroud passed for 1,702 yards with 11 touchdowns and five picks.

Now that Mills has kept his team's postseason hopes afloat, the Texans will hope Stroud's return is enough to spark a late-season push for the playoffs.