The Texans head into a divisional matchup against the Titans on Sunday, but are unlikely to be without star quarterback C.J. Stroud.
According to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Ohio State product is considered doubtful to go with a concussion. In that case, it will be former Stanford quarterback and longtime NFL backup Case Keenum who gets the nod, per KPRC2's Aaron Wilson.
Here's everything to know about Stroud and the situation at hand.
MORE: Breaking down C.J. Stroud's MVP chances
What is C.J. Stroud's injury?
Stroud sustained a concussion within the final seven minutes of the fourth quarter against the Jets last week, leaving Mills to take over for the remainder of the game. Stroud remains in concussion protocol, and though he has not been ruled out yet, it should be significantly expected.
"Yeah, C.J., he's starting to feel a little bit better, but still will be in concussion protocol. We still have our hopes that he can feel better, but we'll see how the next couple days go," Ryans said Friday post-practice.
Mills has a large amount of experience with the team, starting 26 games over the past two seasons. The Texans are 5-20-1 in the games Mills has started.
But it will not be Mills taking the field in Stroud's absence, as it's been announced that veteran Case Keenum will get the start instead.
How long will C.J. Stroud be out?
How long Stroud will be out is unapparent and has not been disclosed at this time. But it is highly reasonable to expect based on the report and the nature of the injury that he will miss the upcoming game against the Titans and should have a strong chance of returning in the following week.
MORE: Updated AFC South playoff standings after Week 14
Texans schedule 2023
Here's a look at the next four games remaining on the schedule as the Texans finish out the season.
| Date | Opponent |
| Dec. 17 | at Titans |
| Dec. 24 | vs. Browns |
| Dec. 31 | vs. Titans |
| Jan. 7 | at Colts |
C.J. Stroud 2023 season stats
See below for Stroud's stats to this point in the 2023 season. He has appeared in 13 games so far this season.
| Game | Comp | Att | Pass Yds | TD | INT |
| at Jets | 10 | 23 | 91 | 0 | 0 |
| vs. Broncos | 16 | 27 | 274 | 1 | 0 |
| vs. Jaguars | 26 | 36 | 304 | 2 | 0 |
| vs. Cardinals | 27 | 37 | 336 | 2 | 3 |
| at Bengals | 23 | 39 | 356 | 1 | 1 |
| vs. Buccaneers | 30 | 42 | 470 | 5 | 0 |
| at Panthers | 16 | 24 | 140 | 0 | 0 |
| vs. Saints | 13 | 27 | 199 | 2 | 1 |
| at Falcons | 20 | 35 | 249 | 1 | 0 |
| vs. Steelers | 16 | 30 | 306 | 2 | 0 |
| at Jaguars | 20 | 30 | 280 | 2 | 0 |
| vs. Colts | 30 | 47 | 384 | 2 | 0 |
| at Ravens | 28 | 44 | 242 | 0 | 0 |
| Season total | 275 | 441 | 3,631 | 20 | 5 |
