C.J. Stroud took a big hit after attempting to slide, but exited the field under his own power. Alex Slitz / Getty Images

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud exited Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos in the first quarter after taking a shot from defensive back Kris Abrams-Draine at the end of a scramble. Stroud was being evaluated for a concussion and his return is listed as questionable.

Stroud’s head appeared to hit the turf after Abrams-Draine hit the quarterback in the shoulder at the end of the play. The play was initially ruled an unnecessary roughness foul on Abrams-Draine, but the call was changed after a replay assist because it was determined Abrams-Draine did not make contact with Stroud’s head.

Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton immediately waved for help from the Houston sideline after the play, and trainers hurried to Stroud’s side. After several minutes on the ground, Stroud got up and walked off the field under his own power. He entered the sideline medical tent for further evaluation and then went to the locker room, assisted by trainers.

Stroud was 6-for-10 for 79 yards before leaving the game. Backup Davis Mills entered the game for Houston in the second quarter.

Nov 2, 2025

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Nick Kosmider is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Denver Broncos. He previously covered the Denver Nuggets for The Athletic after spending five years at the Denver Post, where he covered the city’s professional sports scene. His other stops include The Arizona Republic and MLB.com. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickKosmider