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If Houston Texans starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor is unable to play Thursday against the Carolina Panthers, the team will not be turning to sidelined quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Texans coach David Culley said Monday that even if Taylor is a no-go because of a left hamstring injury, former franchise and All-Pro QB Watson will stay on the inactive list — just as he has been the first two weeks of the season.



Taylor is undergoing an MRI on Monday. NFL Network reported he has already been ruled out for Thursday’s game.

The Texans aren’t playing Watson as they await the findings of a criminal and NFL investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and assault made against him by more than 20 women. Watson asked for a trade earlier this year, and the Texans are reportedly looking for a package of players and high draft picks in return.

Culley is holding out hope that Taylor, who sustained the injury in Sunday’s 31-21 loss to the Cleveland Browns, can play when the Texans (1-1) host the Panthers (2-0).

“If he’s ready to go, he’ll play,” Culley said of Taylor.

Davis Mills Likely To Start

If Taylor is unavailable, rookie Davis Mills likely will make his first professional start. He replaced Taylor, 32, after the veteran was injured when he scrambled to score a 15-yard touchdown with 7:06 left in the second quarter that gave the Texans a 14-7 lead. He played the next series, then was replaced by Mills, a third-round draft pick from Stanford.

Before leaving, Taylor was effective, completing 10 of 11 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. On the season, he has completed 70.5 percent of his passes for 416 yards and three TDs. He has not thrown an interception.

Mills was 8-of-18 passing for 102 yards, one touchdown and an interception.

Houston wide receivers Danny Amendola (hamstring) and Nico Collins (shoulder) also were injured Sunday. Culley said Monday they were still being evaluated.

“We’re not sure if they are going to be available this week,” he said. “I do know with Nico, it was pretty significant what he got. We’re gonna take it day-to-day.”

–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)