Jaguars and Texans Prepare for Pivotal AFC South Clash Amid Key Injuries
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans are set to face off in a crucial AFC South matchup on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at NRG Stadium in Houston. Both teams are grappling with significant injuries that could influence the game’s outcome.
Jaguars’ Offensive Challenges
The Jaguars (5-3) will be without their leading wide receiver, Brian Thomas Jr., who has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. Thomas, 23, has recorded 30 receptions for 420 yards and one touchdown over eight games this season. His absence compounds the team’s woes, as fellow receiver Travis Hunter is on injured reserve with a knee injury, and Dyami Brown remains in concussion protocol. To bolster their receiving corps, Jacksonville acquired Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this week. Meyers is expected to play on Sunday, providing quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a seasoned target.
Texans’ Quarterback Concerns
The Texans (3-5) will be without starting quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is sidelined with a concussion sustained during last week’s 18-15 loss to the Denver Broncos. Stroud has thrown for 1,702 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. Backup quarterback Davis Mills will start in his place. Mills has prior starting experience, with 26 starts and a 5-19-1 record. In relief last week, he completed 17 of 30 passes for 137 yards. Additionally, the Texans will miss kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn due to a quad injury, leading the team to sign veteran kicker Matthew Wright as a precautionary measure.
Defensive Boost for Jacksonville
On the defensive side, the Jaguars will welcome back linebacker Devin Lloyd, the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Month for September. Lloyd missed the past two games with a calf injury but practiced fully this week and is set to play on Sunday. His return is timely, as Jacksonville aims to contain a Texans offense adjusting to the absence of Stroud.
Series History and Implications
The Jaguars and Texans have a storied rivalry, with Houston leading the series 31-16. Jacksonville won the most recent meeting on September 21, 2025, with a 17-10 victory at home. A win for the Jaguars would further solidify their position in the AFC South, while the Texans seek to stay competitive in the division despite their injury setbacks.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM EST, with the game broadcast on CBS. Fans can anticipate a hard-fought contest as both teams navigate their respective challenges in this pivotal divisional showdown.
