C.J. Stroud is out because he is currently sidelined with a concussion. He sustained this concussion in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos when he hit his head hard on the turf after scrambling. Stroud has been in the NFL's concussion protocol since then and has missed three consecutive games, including the Week 12 game against the Buffalo Bills. Despite returning to limited practice, he has not fully cleared the protocol because he is still experiencing symptoms, and the team is prioritizing his long-term health. The expectation is for Stroud to return around Week 13, after the team's bye week, assuming he clears all steps of the concussion protocol.