Texans QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) exits early in loss to Broncos

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was ruled out with a concussion after hitting his head on the turf during the 18-15 loss to the visiting Denver Broncos on Sunday.

The Broncos' Kris Abrams-Draine levied a blow to the midsection of Stroud as he attempted to slide for a first down with 13:49 remaining in the first half. The hit resulted in Stroud slamming the back of his helmet against the turf. After receiving attention from the training staff, Stroud departed under his own power and was later escorted to the home locker room.

Abrams-Draine was not flagged on the play, but Houston coach DeMeco Ryans said after the game that there should have been a penalty for unnecessary roughness.

"He hit the quarterback when he's sliding and giving himself up," Ryans said. "If I'm incorrect on the rule, I've seen it happen multiple times with our guys, and we get the penalty. Bur for some reason, it just didn't happen here."

The Broncos improved to 7-2 while the Texans fell to 3-5 with a home game against AFC South foe the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) slated for next Sunday.

Stroud was 6-for-10 passing for 79 yards and led the Texans into field goal range on two drives. Davis Mills replaced Stroud under center with the Texans leading 3-0 and led a drive for an additional Houston field goal. Mills finished 17-for-30 for 137 yards.

"I thought Davis battled, tried to do a good job there," Ryans said. "But it just didn't do well offensively once we lost C.J."

Sunday's concussion was the second for Stroud, 24, who left a December 2023 game against the Jets after a hard tackle by Quinnen Williams. On that play,

the back of Stroud's helmet smacked the turf. He did not play in the next two Texans' games vs. Tennessee and Indianapolis.

--Field Level Media