The Houston Texans likely will join the long list of NFL teams forging ahead with their backup quarterback when they visit the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon in Nashville, Tenn. C.J. Stroud remained in concussion protocol as of Wednesday. The rookie quarterback did not return after hitting his head on the turf in the late stages of a 30-6 loss to the New York Jets last Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Stroud would be difficult to replace, as he’s second in the NFL in passing yards (3,631) and owns the fifth-best passer rating (98.7). “I don’t think many guys have come back the following week after a concussion,” Houston coach DeMeco Ryans said. “You have to make sure, at the end of the day, that no matter the position, no matter who the guy is, you have to make sure that your guys are healthy.” Davis Mills, who played the final 6:30 against the Jets, ran the offense during practice on Wednesday and is in line to start on Sunday if Stroud remains in protocol. Mills has plenty of experience with the Texans, starting 26 games over the previous two seasons — although Houston is just 5-20-1 in those games.
“He’s done a good job for us,” Ryans said of Mills. “The reps that he’s gotten on the scout team and everything – he’s done a good job for us — demeanor has been the same. He’s done what we’ve asked him to do.” Mills might not have the same receiving corps Stroud has enjoyed most of this season. The Texans (7-6) already lost rookie wide receiver Tank Dell to a broken leg in a 24-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 26, and leading receiver Nico Collins went down with a calf injury early in the loss to the Jets. “Other people have to step up and make plays,” Ryans said. “When that opportunity is thrust upon them, are they stepping up and making those plays?”
