It wasn’t that long ago that Houston Texans looked like they were on their way to NFL glory. Even when so many of their star players started leaving the franchise, at least they still had Deshaun Watson at quarterback to build around. But then that changed when Watson started demanding a trade, which then got flipped around when the QB was accused by over 20 women of sexual misconduct and sexual assault. All of which has left the Texans back at the bottom.
While they did earn a win over the lowly Jaguars to start the season, it looks like it’s going to be a long year for the franchise. They were hoping that Tyrod Taylor could handle the quarterback role for them while the Watson situation got sorted out but Taylor has been sidelined with a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out “for a while.”
#Texans QB Tyrod Taylor will be out “for a while” with the hamstring he injured in Sunday’s loss to the #Browns, per source. Still waiting for the swelling to go down. As @RapSheet reported last night, Taylor won’t play Thursday vs. #Panthers. IR stint could be in play.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 20, 2021
That means the team will give the start to rookie Davis Mills this Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers. Welcome to the NFL, Davis.
Texans’ rookie QB Davis Mills will start Thursday night vs. Panthers. Tyrod Taylor officially ruled out.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2021
Mills was drafted by the Texans in the third round out of Stanford and only started 11 games while there. His college career was plagued by injuries, which is not a great sign given the situation in Houston, but he’ll have a chance to make good on the potential that made him a worthy draft selection. It’s also notable that Mills will get to start in the NFL before first-rounders like Trey Lance and Justin Fields.
Mills did play last week in a loss to the Cleveland Browns. He finished 8 of 18 passes for 102 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, all in the second half.
Head coach David Culley told reporters that he thinks Mills is ready for the moment.
David Culley on Davis Mills: “He’s ready. I mean he is ready. He’s been exactly what you want your backup quarterback to be.” pic.twitter.com/zU9clVeU5R
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) September 21, 2021
“He’s ready,” said Culley. “I mean he is ready. He’s been exactly what you want your backup quarterback to be.”
That might be true, but NFL fans seem to be taking a more cautious outlook on the rookie’s first start on this Texans team.
Panthers D vs David Mills in week 3 pic.twitter.com/FG19OLjPPg
— The 𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 (@FF_Guesspert) September 21, 2021
