BREAKING: Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirms team’s star player suffers a serious injury, could miss remainder of season, faces uncertain future, and may risk losing starting role or even being cut amid rising salary-cap concerns.

HOUSTON, Texas — Nov 29.2025

The Houston Texans are entering a turbulent stretch after head coach DeMeco Ryans delivered a shocking update on the status of C.J. Stroud, the team’s No. 1 superstar and franchise quarterback. Stroud is not only dealing with a significant injury that has kept him sidelined for weeks — he is now facing the very real possibility of

losing his QB1 job once he returns.

And that isn’t the only concern. His $36.28 million fully guaranteed rookie contract — which includes a massive $23.38 million signing bonus and a

nearly $10 million cap hit — has turned into a financial burden for the Texans. With Stroud unavailable and his production declining before the injury, the value simply hasn’t matched the cost, fueling growing speculation that the team could consider

moving on from him to free up salary-cap space.

 A star sinking into injury, declining performance — and heavy financial pressure

During his rookie season, C.J. Stroud was the pride of Houston: a breakout phenom, the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the player who brought the Texans back to relevance.

But this season has taken a dramatic turn.

Before the injury, Stroud was already showing signs of regression:

• Less sharp decision-making

• Increased turnovers

• Difficulty adapting to new offensive adjustments

• Struggling to deliver the explosive deep shots that defined his early success

Then came the major blow in Week 7, when Stroud entered concussion protocol and was immediately placed on the injury list.

Since then, he has gone three straight weeks without being cleared for full practice

, raising major concerns inside the organization.

 Eligible to return — but the Texans refuse to activate him

Although Stroud has been eligible to resume limited practice since last week, the Texans have remained firm.

HC DeMeco Ryans stated bluntly:

“He’s progressing well, but he’s not ready. It’s highly unlikely he returns this week.”

The decision surprised many, signaling that Houston has no intention of rushing him back

— partly due to health concerns, and partly because they are wary of risking a player who is currently eating up cap space without contributing on the field.

 

The shock: The Texans are playing better without Stroud

While Stroud has been out, the backup quarterback has stepped in — and performed far above expectations.

In fact, the Texans’ offense has looked:

• More controlled

• Less turnover-prone

• More balanced

• More efficient in key moments

The team has even won games many analysts believed were out of reach.

This unexpected surge has opened the door to an uncomfortable question:

If the backup keeps playing well, does Stroud automatically get his QB1 job back?

HC Ryans even praised the backup:

“He stepped in and did exactly what we asked of him.”

A simple comment — but one that speaks volumes about the current situation.

 Salary-cap pressure is pushing Stroud’s future to the edge

Even on a rookie contract, Stroud is not cheap:

• Nearly $10 million cap hit

• About $4.05 million in total salary + bonuses for 2025

• A massive $23.38 million signing bonus already paid upfront

The Texans are taking on all this financial cost — while getting zero on-field production.

This has fueled growing rumors across the league:

If Stroud doesn’t return at an elite level, the Texans may consider a trade or a salary-related move.

A team-insider source reportedly said:

“If the cap becomes tight, Stroud might not be part of the long-term plan.”

 Conclusion: Stroud is not just fighting an injury — he’s fighting for his future in Houston

From the face of the franchise to the possibility of being replaced — Stroud’s journey has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn.

• A serious injury

• Declining performance

• A backup QB playing well

• A heavy contract weighing down the cap

• And rumors that Houston might move on

All of it has cast a shadow over his future with the franchise.

The biggest question now is no longer:

“When will C.J. Stroud return?”
But rather:

Broncos Deliver Bad News Amid Attention-Grabbing Decision

The Denver Broncos remain short-handed in Week 13. This time, they will face the Washington Commanders

 on “Sunday Night Football” without Jonah Elliss. Moreover, the Broncos made a noteworthy decision in light of that and other roster developments.

The Broncos are 9-2 and can match their 2024 win total with a victory over the Commanders, who enter this contest with a laundry list of issues themselves.

Still, the Broncos will need others to step up without one of their more underrated contributors.

---

Broncos Rule OLB Jonah Elliss Out vs Commanders

GettyJonah Elliss #52 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a sack against the 

Atlanta Falcons.

Elliss, whom the Broncos selected with the 77th overall pick in the 2024 draft, has not played since Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders due to a hamstring injury. The Broncos listed him as questionable on the final injury report of Week 13.

However, the Broncos adjusted Elliss’ status.

“#Broncos are downgrading OLB Jonah Elliss to OUT with the hamstring injury, per source,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel reported in a post on X on November 29, noting that the 2024 third-round draft pick was “Making progress and close to a return but will not be ready to play tomorrow night.”

Perhaps most ominous, the Broncos did not wait until their list of game-day inactives was due, which is 90 minutes before kickoff.

Elliss is the 22-year-old son of former Broncos defensive lineman and, later, team chaplain 

Luther Elliss. He has already been limited to eight games this season due to injuries, logging 1.0 sacks after a 5.0-sack campaign as a rookie.

The Broncos still have starters 

Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto on the edges.

They also have second-year pro and former undrafted free agent Dondrea Tillman leading a group of reserves that is expected to turn to 

Quandarrius Robinson without Elliss.

A fourth-round pick (No. 134 overall) by the Broncos in the 2025 draft, Robinson has only been active for four games this season. However, he has been active for four of the Broncos’ last six outings.

They also made another decision that suggests the plan to lean on him to replace Eliss.

---

Broncos Draw Attention With Lack of Transaction Wire Activity

GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines during a game against the Houston Texans.

Despite not having Elliss, the Broncos did not call up anyone from their practice squad, marking a noteworthy decision given the situations elsewhere on their roster. Specifically, The Denver Gazette’s Tomasson noted uncertainty around the Broncos’ plan at tight end.

“No #Broncos roster moves today,” Tomasson reported on X on November 29. “Will play Sunday at Washington with two active TEs. Though Sean Payton said it was a possibility, Marcedes Lewis, out of elevations, didn’t go to 53. FB Adam Prentice could be used more. We’ll see if Lil’Jordan Humphrey might get some TE-like snaps.”

Like pass rusher, the Broncos still have their top two tight ends, Adam Trautman and Evan Engram.

Engram has already missed time this season due to injuries and has an extensive history.

The Broncos have embodied the “next man up” mentality. They have navigated stretches of games without starters in Engram, Alex Singleton, Dre Greenlaw, and Pat Surtain II. They remain without Ben Powers and J.K. Dobbins.

Elliss is a role player. Elliss is also fourth among the Broncos’ OLBs in snap share this season, per Pro Football Reference.

Continue reading