Texans starting quarterback C.J. Stroud remains in the concussion protocol, more than two weeks after being knocked out of the game against the Denver Broncos and three days before they host the Buffalo Bills.
Stroud has missed the last two games in the protocol and was listed as a non-participant in practice on Monday's injury report. Defensive back Jalen Pitre, who also suffered a concussion in the same game and has missed the last two, remains in the protocol. Pitre was listed as a limited participant in Monday's injury report.
"With the short week, just to update, as of right now, [QB] C.J. [Stroud] and [S] Jalen [Pitre] are still in the concussion protocol," Ryans said. "I think it's looking good to have [K] Ka’imi [Fairbairn] back this week, so we'll see how that goes. With C.J. and Jalen, again, we got to see how the week goes. When they're in their concussion protocol, there are steps they have to pass to be available. So, we'll see how it goes for them this week.
“We're hopeful for C.J. to get back healthy, that's the first thing, the most important thing. For me, in my spot, I just have to deal with it based on when they pass the steps they need to pass. If they are available, then being able to see them on the field, see them get reps and see how that goes. But as of right now, it's nothing that I can do from my seat here. I'm just praying for those guys to just get back healthy.”
If Stroud is unable to play, the Texans will go with backup quarterback Davis Mills for the third straight game. Mills has helped lead the Texans to victories over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans in the past two games.