Here’s a bold statement: the Houston Texans are about to face a pivotal moment in their season, and it’s all riding on the shoulders of backup quarterback Davis Mills. But here’s where it gets controversial—after an epic fourth-quarter comeback last week, Mills is stepping into the spotlight again, this time against the Tennessee Titans, as starter C.J. Stroud remains sidelined with a concussion. Is Mills the underdog hero the Texans need, or is this just a temporary fix? Let’s dive in.
Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed on Thursday that Davis Mills will make his second consecutive start in Week 11, filling in for C.J. Stroud, who is still in concussion protocol. Stroud’s injury dates back to the team’s Week 9 loss against the Denver Broncos, where he exited in the second quarter. Last week, Mills seized his opportunity, leading the Texans to a jaw-dropping 36-29 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. And this is the part most people miss—Houston overcame a staggering 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter, marking the second-largest comeback in franchise history. Mills was electric, throwing for 292 yards, completing 60% of his passes, and accounting for three fourth-quarter touchdowns (two passing, one rushing).
‘The whole team believed we were going to win that game from the start,’ Mills told reporters post-game, according to ESPN. ‘We’ve got a locker room full of playmakers, and it was just a matter of putting it all together.’
At 27, Mills is no stranger to stepping up. Drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Stanford, he started 11 games as a rookie due to injuries and inconsistencies in the Texans’ quarterback room. He was named the starter at the beginning of the 2022 season, but after a 3-13-1 finish and the firing of head coach Lovie Smith, he’s been Stroud’s backup since 2023. Earlier this year, he signed a one-year, $5 million extension, proving his value as a reliable second option.
Now, the stage is set for Mills to face the Titans (1-8), who are struggling at the bottom of the AFC South after firing head coach Brian Callahan. Meanwhile, the Texans (4-5) are on a modest upswing, winning two of their last three games and trailing the division-leading Indianapolis Colts (8-2) by 3.5 games. Houston already dominated Tennessee in a 26-0 shutout in Week 4, but can Mills replicate that success? Here’s the controversial question: Is Mills just a stopgap, or could he challenge for the starting role if he keeps delivering wins?
As we head into this matchup, one thing is clear: the Texans’ season hinges on Mills’ ability to keep the momentum going. Will he rise to the occasion again, or will the Titans find a way to spoil the party? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Mills has what it takes to lead Houston to the playoffs, or is this just a fleeting moment of glory?
