The Houston Texans have the best third-string quarterback in the NFL in Deshaun Watson.
The elite, highly-paid quarterback is likely to be inactive in Week 1 with Tyrod Taylor starting for Houston.
Anyone who was under a rock or in space the past few months would be shocked to hear this tale be told.
Yet this decision was an obvious one once Watson demanded a trade and the team refused.
That was even before the series of sexual assault allegations were brought against him.
Now the Texans the rest of the NFL are waiting to see if Watson will even be eligible to play for an entire season.
For now, he is sitting on the bench and Texans GM Nick Caserio reiterated as much Wednesday morning.
Texans’ GM Nick Caserio this morning to Payne & Pendergast on @SportsRadio610 regarding Deshaun Watson’s status for Sunday’s opener vs. Jacksonville: “I wouldn’t expect him to play. … I wouldn’t anticipate him playing this Sunday and we’ll recalibrate as we go.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2021
He never fully comes out and says Watson won’t play, but we can all read between the lines.
A Weird Situation
There is something incredibly strange about Watson being on the roster but not playing or even taking reps.
While players may not say so openly, the locker room must have a strange feel.
Watson is essentially saying he has no desire to help the team, but still wants his paycheck.
No rules are being broken here, however, this can’t be going over too well.
It also casts a tough light on Taylor who is just trying to take advantage of a starting opportunity.
The Texans can’t have players frustrated with him if things go south simply because they know Watson is on the sidelines.
This is a giant mess and the Texans appear to be in for a tough season.
Injury status updates:
— #Giants RB Saquon Barkley (knee) was limited.
— #Texans QB Deshaun Watson (not injury related) DNP.
— #Jets LT Mekhi Becton (concussion) fully participated.
— #Titans WR AJ Brown (knee) was DNP.
— #Packers LB Za’Darius Smith (back) was limited.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2021
Seeing Him Would Be A Shock
Saying the team will “recalibrate” is interesting because the Texans may have hope Watson will want to play at some point.
But when is that time?
If they start 0-4 is he going to come in and save the day?
Could he be fined if they name him the starter and he refuses to play?
The extra layer to this beyond football are all the legal allegations against Watson.
That explains why a trade hasn’t been made, and it’s possible the Texans know more about this situation.
If that is the case, fans will continue to be left in the dark until a move is made, Watson is charged with crimes, or he miraculously comes back to his starting job.
But will his teammates welcome him back given all the allegations?
There are just too many questions right now to know what will take place.
What we do know is that David Culley is already off to a shorthanded start in his new job.
NEXT: Texans Make Expected Announcement Regarding Starting QB