Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was ruled out of Thursday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills due to his concussion, Houston coach DeMeco Ryans said.

Stroud took part in a light practice Tuesday but has not yet cleared concussion protocol and will miss his third straight game.

Davis Mills will start for Houston in a short week against the visiting Bills (7-3).

Houston (5-5) will also be without safety Jalen Pitre (concussion). He also will be sidelined for the third straight game.

“Both guys are progressing, they’re doing better,” Ryans told reporters. “But right now with the short turnaround game on Thursday, just don’t have enough days for those guys to be available.”

Mills led the Texans to back-to-back wins against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

Stroud was injured during the second quarter of an 18-15 home loss to the Denver Broncos on Nov. 2 when the back of his helmet struck the turf at the end of a scramble.

In the two-plus games since the injury to Stroud, Mills is 70-of-116 passing (60.3%) for 703 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He has added one rushing TD.

Stroud has passed for 1,702 yards with 11 TDs and five interceptions this season. Since being drafted No. 2 overall in 2023, the only other games he has missed were also due to a concussion in Weeks 15-16 of his rookie season.

–Field Level Media