Will C.J. Stroud Play for Texans vs. Colts? HC Demeco Ryans Updates QB's Injury Status

For the first time since Week 9, the Houston Texans will have their starting quarterback in the lineup Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced Friday that quarterback C.J. Stroud will start in Week 13 after missing the past three games with a concussion.

Stroud's return comes amid the Texans late push to reach the playoffs. Houston is currently 6-5 on the season following last week's 23-19 win over the Buffalo Bills. Stroud has thrown for 1,702 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games this season.

Stroud managed to stay healthy through the first half of the season, but suffered a concussion in the Texans' Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos. That injury sidelined him for three games.

The concussion marked the second of his career, as he also missed a pair of games as a rookie in 2023 while he was in concussion protocol.

That season, Stroud took home Offensive Rookie of the Year after throwing for 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He took a step back in Year 2 in 2024, collecting 3,727 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, but it was still enough to lead the Texans to a second consecutive playoff appearance.

Houston is hoping to get back to the postseason this year, and having Stroud back on the field would be a major boost.

The Texans went 3-0 in the three games started by Davis Mills while Stroud was out, but Stroud brings more big-play upside to the offense, which could be needed against a Colts offense that leads the NFL with 31.0 points per game.