Houston Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor can’t seem to get a break in his NFL career.
The Buffalo Bills benched him for Nathan Peterman, which eventually cost his starting role.
Then, the Los Angeles Chargers team physician punctured his lung while administering a pain killer.
Justin Herbert took over and never looked back.
His stint in Houston looked like the vindication he needed, especially when they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season opener.
Unfortunately, his return to the NFL limelight is short-lived after suffering a hamstring injury in the second quarter of their Week 2 game against the Cleveland Browns.
#Texans QB Tyrod Taylor is considered week-to-week with a hamstring injury and Injured Reserve is a possibility. Houston’s selection of Davis Mills will prove valuable as he steps into the national spotlight vs the #Panthers and beyond.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2021
Taylor was already limping after his 15-yard touchdown run that tied the score at 14 apiece with seven minutes left in the opening half.
However, he finished the second quarter but threw just one pass on their next drive.
It’s disappointing to see him leave after throwing for ten completions out of 11 attempts for 125 yards.
Rookie Davis Mills took over in the second half and finished with eight completions for 102 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
Making his NFL debut, Browns safety Grant Delpit just *leveled* Davis Mills.pic.twitter.com/PkBbF0ZmGK
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 19, 2021
Sadly, the Texans lost to the Browns, 31-21.
Taylor’s condition is week-to-week, but he will not play on their Thursday Night Football encounter against the Carolina Panthers.
Therefore, the Texans may place the veteran quarterback on injured reserve and elevate Mills as their starter.
There’s another intriguing option that the Texans can explore regarding their concerns under center.
Deshaun Watson is a healthy scratch and can take over from Taylor as their Week 3 starter.
Deshaun Watson will not be active for the Texans' game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night despite starter Tyrod Taylor's uncertain status, HC David Culley said Monday. Taylor is getting an MRI on his left hamstring injury and is considered day-to-day, Culley said.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2021
But if you were to bet on what will happen, you will have better winning odds by placing your money on Cam Newton playing for Houston than Watson taking a snap.
The Texans don’t want to open a Pandora’s Box of backlash.
Keeping Watson On Hold, But For How Long?
To some extent, Watson’s benching is his doing after declaring that he doesn’t want to play for the Texans anymore.
Unfortunately, he does not have the leverage because he is still under contract with Houston until 2023.
He has a no-trade clause that he is willing to waive once the Texans find a suitable trade partner.
But even that proposition is tough to fulfill because of the Texans’ steep asking price of at least three first-round draft picks and two starters.
Ironically, the Panthers were one of the teams rumored to be chasing Watson.
DeShaun Watson in his living room like…. pic.twitter.com/KsufUaL3ZV
— Mr B. (@HoeAssMrB) September 19, 2021
The Miami Dolphins and the Chicago Bears also included their names in the Deshaun Watson Sweepstakes.
Yet, trade talks are still at dead ends as Week 3 looms.
Likewise, the Texans do not want the distraction brought by Watson’s legal battles due to alleged sexual harassment.
Imagine posters or heckles from opposing team’s fans directed at the three-time Pro Bowler.
Those statements might cause the team to unravel.
Regardless of their plans, the Texans must make moves on what they will do with Watson.
Houston Texans to the Miami Dolphins about Deshaun Watson now pic.twitter.com/8UbzqQzrLT
— The Reason (@TheReason540) September 19, 2021
The price for his services will change as the season progresses.
Otherwise, the Texans will continue to have the most expensive backup quarterback in the league.
Letting him play is still an option.
Whatever their decision, the Texans must make a move because he is still getting a king’s fortune.
NEXT: Texans Given Tough News Regarding Tyrod Taylor