By Jordan Long
On Sunday the Houston Texans lost to the Cleveland Browns 31-21, dropping their record to 1-1. They have a short week as they take on the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football. Houston will be without starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
Taylor started the game but didn’t return in the second half. He was 10 of 11 passing for 125 yards and 1 touchdown in the first half. He wasn’t sacked. With him at quarterback, the Texans were tied with the Browns at 14 heading into the second half. Taylor left the game with a hamstring injury.
The Texans had to go with rookie Davis Mills to finish the game, the only other quarterback dressed. This could have been a gamble. If Mills went down they would rely on their emergency quarterback. Luckily that didn’t happen. Mills went 8 of 18 passing for 102 yards and 1 touchdown. He was picked off 1 time. This was just a taste of what he could do in the NFL. The Texans were outscored in the 2nd half 17-7.
The Texans have a short week. It could be a few weeks before Taylor is healthy enough to play. The Texans would like to bring in a veteran quarterback but can’t this week due to COVID 19 rules which, according to si.com, is a six-day testing process before a new signee can play for their team (assuming they’re negative). It could be after the game on Thursday, depending on how long Taylor is out, they will sign a veteran quarterback. It might be through free agency or another teams’ practice squad.
The Texans’ options are limited for this week at quarterback. Besides Mills, they have two other quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Jeff Driskel. Watson hasn’t been active due to his off the field issues. Who knows if and when he will ever play for the Texans again. Watson may not be playing at all this year and could be inactive.
Driskel is on the practice squad. It is most likely he will serve as the backup to Mills. Driskel has played in 15 NFL games, starting 9 of them. His record is 1-8, passing for 2,120 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. At least if Mills goes down, the Texans have a quarterback who has played in the NFL. Driskel might be able to gain yards through the air if called upon.
The Texans will face the Panthers on Thursday. Depending on how Mills plays, that could decide their future until Taylor is healthy.
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