The Texans got off to a real rough start this season, going 0-3 to kick off the 2025 campaign. But things have improved dramatically in the last month. Houston has won three of its last four games and entered a Week 9 matchup with the Broncos riding plenty of momentum following a big Week 8 win over the 49ers.

Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for a concerning development to arise. Both teams struggled to score to begin the game, with the Texans holding a 3-0 lead in the second quarter when C.J. Stroud’s offense found itself facing a third-and-8 in their own territory. Stroud dropped back to pass and wound up scrambling out of the pocket trying to get the first down. He had some open space, but as he approached the marker several Broncos defenders converged on the quarterback and he awkwardly tried to slide at the last second.

It led to a massive hit on the young quarterback, with Broncos corner Kris Abrams-Draine drilling Stroud just as he began his slide, bouncing his head hard off the turf. He stayed down after the play and had to be helped off the field to the medical tent.

Stroud did give a thumbs up to the crowd, which is encouraging for the Texans fans at NRG Stadium. The Texans would later announce that he was questionable to return while being evaluated for a concussion.

Like the rest of his team Stroud struggled to start the year but has turned it around. The 24-year-old signal-caller has thrown for 1,623 yards so far with 11 touchdowns to only five interceptions. The Texans’ offense remains very much a work in progress, yet Stroud’s play of late has helped the unit make serious progress.

Stroud was replaced by backup Davis Mills. Mills was a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft and has spent his whole career with Houston to this point. In 26 starts under Mills the Texans are 5-19-1.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as C.J. Stroud Leaves Texans-Broncos After Taking Huge Hit While Trying to Slide.

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