Tyrod Taylor pumps left and then runs down the sideline to the 15-yard TD scramble. (0:31).
HOUSTON -- Coach David Culley announced Monday that Deshaun Watson, the Houston Texans' quarterback, will not be available for Thursday's game against the Carolina Panthers. This is despite Tyrod Taylor's uncertain status.
Culley stated that Taylor will be having an MRI done on his left hamstring. He is currently considered day-today.
To replace Taylor, rookie Davis Mills started the second half against the Cleveland Browns. Taylor injured his hamstring while running for a touchdown of 15 yards midway through the second half. Taylor completed the second half.
Culley stated that "Something happened on touchdown." "It wasn’t to the point that he felt he couldn’t go. ... He is the way he really is.
Culley stated Monday that Taylor assured him that he was fine and wanted to return to the game. However, the head coach indicated that he wanted to ensure the injury didn't get worse.
"I said, "Look, we're going to Davis [Mills Culley] said. "I said, "This is for long-term -- this is not for short-term."
Mills completed 8 of 18 passes for 102 yards, with a touchdown pass as well as an interception in the Texans' 31-21 loss to the Texans. This dropped them to 1-1. Houston's third-round draft selection in April was Mills.
Watson was not available for the Texans' two first games of this season. Although he is facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behaviour, he has not been prohibited from participating in NFL team activities. In January, the quarterback requested a trade because he was unhappy with the direction of his franchise and the hiring process for Nick Caserio as general manager.
According to league sources, the Texans wanted a package that included six players and draft picks from NFL teams interested in trading Watson this summer.
