Broncos Edge Texans 18-15 as C.J. Stroud Exits with Concussion

The Houston Texans suffered a tough 18-15 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday at NRG Stadium, falling short in a game that saw quarterback C.J. Stroud leave early with a concussion. The Texans’ offense struggled to finish drives, settling for field goals on all five trips inside the Broncos’ 20-yard line, while Denver’s late-game execution made the difference.

Stroud exited in the first half after his head hit the turf on a tackle by cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine. He was ruled out with a concussion shortly after heading to the locker room and did not return. Before his exit, Stroud completed six of ten passes for 79 yards. Davis Mills took over under center, finishing 17 of 30 for 137 yards but was unable to lead Houston into the end zone.

Despite the offensive struggles, Houston’s defense and special teams gave the Texans multiple opportunities to win. The defense held Denver to 271 total yards and came up with a blocked field goal, while a muffed punt recovery set up one of Ka’imi Fairbairn’s five field goals. “We just got to find a way to win the game,” head coach DeMeco Ryans said postgame, per Reuters. “That’s what it comes down to — finishing.”

Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix guided Denver’s comeback, throwing two touchdowns and engineering a final drive capped by Wil Lutz’s 34-yard field goal as time expired. “It proves that we can win tough games,” Nix told ESPN after the victory. The win improved Denver to 7-2 on the season, while Houston dropped to 3-5.

After the game, defensive end Will Anderson Jr. expressed frustration over the team’s inability to close out close contests. “We’ve got to stop shooting ourselves in the foot,” Anderson told reporters. “It’s not about effort — it’s about execution when it matters most.”

The Texans will now monitor Stroud’s recovery as he enters the concussion protocol. Ryans said Monday that his quarterback is “feeling a little bit better,” according to The Houston Chronicle. Houston’s playoff hopes remain alive but fragile as the team prepares for a crucial home matchup next Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.