Stroud Exits Game with a Concussion, Texans Lose on Last-Second FG

HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Texans’ star quarterback C.J. Stroud was ruled out of Sunday’s 18-15 loss to the Denver Broncos after suffering a concussion from a second-quarter hit.

The injury occurred on a third-and-8 play with 13:51 remaining in the first half, when Stroud scrambled and slid just short of the first-down marker. Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine lunged into Stroud’s upper body, causing the back of Stroud’s helmet to strike the turf hard.

Stroud remained on the field for several moments before walking to the sideline under his own power, giving a thumbs-up to the crowd as he entered the medical tent. Moments later, he was escorted to the locker room and ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Officials initially flagged Abrams-Draine for unnecessary roughness, but after review, the penalty was overturned, with referees determining that contact was not made to Stroud’s head or neck.

Backup quarterback Davis Mills replaced Stroud for the rest of the game. Prior to exiting, Stroud completed 6 of 10 passes for 79 yards, helping the Texans reach field-goal range on two drives.

Tied 15-15 with just over a minute left in the 4th quarter, the Texans had an opportunity to drive the ball down the field for the game winning field goal. However, the Broncos' defense proved up to thte task and stopped Houston. Instead, Bo Nix led the Broncos down the field and won the game on a Will Lutz 34-yard field goal, 18-15, as time expired.

Up next, the Texans play the Jaguars to try and get their season back on track.