“When CJ returns, ready to play, he will be our starter. We’ll see what happens on Wednesday,” Ryans said, leaving the door open to uncertainty.
CJ Stroud absence has revealed the team’s resilience, with backup Davis Mills leading the Texans to three consecutive wins, including a surprising victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Mills, despite his strong performance, was clear about his position. “CJ is the starter of this team. I just do my best every day,” he stated.
However, the question all fans are asking remains: will CJ Stroud be able to return in time and at full strength to face the Colts?
Man DeMeco legit looked irritated about CJ & Jalen Pitre still being in the concussion protocol pic.twitter.com/8mqBHFRBtJ
— Figgy Fig (@TheFiggyFig) November 24, 2025
The offensive line without CJ Stroud, the real challenge
Although CJ Stroud is the centerpiece of the offense, recent issues have also put the Texans’ offensive line in the spotlight.
The departure of key players like Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green had raised concerns about its stability.
This line has allowed at least two sacks on CJ Stroud in nearly every game this season, a statistic that worries the coaching staff.
Still, the recent performance against the Bills showed significant improvements, giving hope that the quarterback could have better protection if he returns.
Tytus Howard and the strategy against the Colts
DeMeco Ryans has highlighted the versatility of Tytus Howard, who has played multiple positions on the offensive line, demonstrating intelligence and adaptability.
The coach’s strategy focuses on maximizing the efficiency of the five best available players, a key factor for CJ Stroud to perform without the pressures of previous seasons.
