When the Houston Texans visit the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon in Nashville, Tenn., they will join a long list of NFL teams that are pushing forward with their backup quarterback. C.J. Stroud remained in concussion protocol all week and did not practice, putting Davis Mills in the starting quarterback spot. Stroud was only physically able to watch film on Friday, despite being officially listed as doubtful. Stroud did not play in Week 14 after hitting his head on the turf late in last Sunday’s 30-6 loss to the New York Jets in East Rutherford, N.J.
Stroud is a difficult replacement. He ranks second in the NFL in passing yards (3,631) and fifth in passer rating (98.7). “I don’t think many guys have come back the following week after a concussion,” said Houston coach DeMeco Ryans. “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.” Mills, who played the final 6:30 against the Jets, has plenty of experience with the Texans, having started 26 games in the previous two seasons despite Houston’s record of 5-20-1.
“He’s done a good job for us,” Mills said. “The reps he’s received on the scout team and everything — he’s done a good job for us — his demeanor has remained consistent.” He’s completed the task we assigned to him.” Mills will not have the same receiving corps that Stroud has had for the majority of the 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 was injured early in the Jets loss. He did not practice on Friday and, along with rookie standout Will Anderson Jr. (ankle), was ruled out. “Other people have to step up and make plays,”
“Losing Nico is tough,” Ryans admitted. “Nico has been a dynamic playmaker for us all season.” He’s a guy who has always been dependable. Nico has shown up and made those plays when we needed him the most.” Neither offensive tackle George Fant (hip) nor Anderson have ready-made replacements. Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn is expected to return for Sunday’s game after missing the previous five games with a right quadricep strain. The Titans (5-8) are coming off a short week, but they’re still on a high after a 28-27 comeback victory over the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. Tennessee trailed by two touchdowns with less than three minutes remaining before rallying to defeat the AFC East leader.
Will Levis began the season as Ryan Tannehill’s backup. However, the rookie quarterback was given the opportunity to play after the veteran suffered a sprained ankle in late October. Levis has started the last seven games, despite Tannehill’s full recovery. Titans coach Mike Vrabel expressed his admiration for the rookie’s competitiveness. “We’ve seen that through the college process, and the evaluation, and his opportunities here,” Vrabel went on to say. “I admire his level of competitiveness and his understanding that negative events will have no impact in the future.” It is critical to be able to process and move forward.” The Titans haven’t relied solely on three-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry this season.
Tyjae Spears had 128 all-purpose yards and 89 receiving yards on six catches against the Dolphins. “I think the role that he is in now is kind of what we envisioned,” Vrabel went on to say. “That sometimes expands on the game and where we’re at.” Tennessee’s Jeffery Simmons (knee), Teair Tart (personal), Kyle Philips (hamstring), and Josh Whyle (knee) were all ruled out. Linebacker Jack Gibbens (back), safety K’Von Wallace (quad), and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (illness) are all questionable, as is defensive end Denico Autry (knee, illness).
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