The Houston Texans will have a new face under center for their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Head coach David Culley told the media on Tuesday that rookie Davis Mills will take over as starting quarterback for Week 3 after veteran Tyrod Taylor was ruled out for the game due to a hamstring injury.
Mills, who was selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, had his NFL debut in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. The Stanford product replaced Taylor in the second half and finished the contest by completing eight passes out of 18 attempts and throwing for 102 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Texans ended up suffering a 31-21 loss and dropping to a 1-1 record in 2021.
Culley is hoping for a better performance from Mills against the Panthers, saying that he believes the first-team reps the rookie had during practices in recent days have made him more comfortable in the starting role.
“He’s been ready,” Culley said of Mills. “Now that he’s gotten those reps, I think there will be a comfort level in starting the game.”
The Houston Texans also have Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson on their roster, but he isn’t expected to dress for the Panthers game or any other game this season. Watson made a trade request early in the offseason, and it is only a matter of time before he leaves the franchise.
Veteran Jeff Driskel, who is currently on Houston’s practice squad, is expected to back up Mills.
