The Houston Texans enter Week 11 with confidence. They pulled off a 36-29 fourth-quarter comeback win over the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars. They did so despite the fact that starting cornerback C.J. Stroud, who suffered a concussion the week before against the Denver Broncos, was inactive.
Instead it was unlikely heroism from reserve defender Davis Mills and a great performance from Houston's powerful defense.
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As of November 13 Stroud remains in concussion protocol. Houston must decide whether to take the risk of rushing Stroud or trusting Mills for another week against the Tennessee Titans. If they know what's best for them, Stroud should stay on the sidelines in Nashville.
Let Stroud sit
This won't be the first time Stroud has missed a game against Tennessee. In his rookie season in 2023, he missed a game against the Titans. That time Case Keenum took control and led the Texans to a 19–16 overtime victory. The victory kept Houston alive in the playoff race. You can do the same this week.
The Texans enter Sunday's game with a 4-5 record and a chance to further close the gap between them and a playoff spot.
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Houston fans would like to see Stroud back on the field, but he should use this week to rest regardless of whether he is on the field. cleaned on time. The adage that coaches must protect players from themselves is true. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans needs to do that for Stroud this week.
When these two teams met in Week 4, the Texans beat Tennessee 26–0. The Titans are already looking ahead to 2026 and are more focused on development and draft positioning than winning.
Let Mills and company sort it out this weekend.
What's next?
The biggest plus is that Stroud gets extra time to rest for upcoming games after Tennessee: the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football (short week), the Kansas City Chiefs and the surprising division-leading Indianapolis Colts. Combined, these teams enter the week with a 19-9 record, all keeping Houston from making the playoffs.
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A healthy and rested Stroud against three AFC opponents will allow Houston to control its destiny. The next four games will make or break the Texans' season.
The key to all of this will be C.J. Stroud's recovery.
Fast The Texans are scheduled to face C.J. Stroud in Week 11. first appeared on Leader.
