HOUSTON — Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud will miss another week after suffering a concussion, part of a growing list of injuries Houston will have to navigate as it prepares for Sunday’s matchup with the Tennessee Titans.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans opened his Thursday news conference by ruling out Stroud, kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn and safety Jalen Pitre.
“For this week [QB] C.J. [Stroud], [K] ‘Imi’ [Ka’imi Fairbairn] and [S] Jalen Pitre will be out,” Ryans said.
Stroud suffered a concussion two weeks ago in the first half of the team’s game against Denver.
With Stroud sidelined, Davis Mills will make his second straight start. Mills led Houston to a 36-29 come-from-behind win against Jacksonville. Ryans said he wants to see the veteran build on last week’s win.
“This week I’m looking for [QB] Davis [Mills] to continue to improve. I thought he went out and did a nice job leading us to a victory last week,” Ryans said. “I’m looking for him to go out, execute the offense the proper way, get us in proper calls and just do his job to the best of his ability.”
The injury issues extend to Mills’ protection for this Sunday. Ryans emphasized that whoever is available on must be ready to anchor a unit preparing for Tennessee’s physical front.
“For our offensive line I’m looking for whatever gives us the best chance, the best opportunity to go out and play good football up front, communicate, be on the same page, do what we’re asking guys to do and play good football,” Ryans said.
The Texans come into the game with a 4-5 record and third place in the AFC South. They’re coming off a comeback win over Jacksonville. Tennessee has the league’s worst record at 1-8, having lost, 27-20, to the Los Angeles Chargers.
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