David Culley confirms: Deshaun Watson’s not playing Thursday

The Texans host Carolina this Thursday on KPRC 2

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) wipes his hands after stretching during NFL football practice Saturday, July 31, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex) (Justin Rex, Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

One day after saying “we’ll have to see” in response to a question regarding Deshaun Watson’s status heading into the Houston Texans’ next game, head coach David Culley started his Monday press availability by being definitive: Watson will be deactivated this week and will not play in Thursday’s game against Carolina.

Culley also updated starting QB Tyrod Taylor’s status as day-to-day after Taylor injured his hamstring in the first half of Sunday’s 31-21 loss to the Cleveland Browns. It’s been reported by NFL Network that Taylor will miss Thursday’s game. The current backup is rookie Davis Mills, who finished Sunday’s game completing 8-18 passes for 102 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Culley said on Monday there’s a possibility of the Texans promoting quarterback Jeff Driskel from the practice squad for more depth at that position.

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The Texans have a quick turnaround this week, hosting the Panthers at NRG Stadium on Thursday in a game that will be seen on KPRC 2.

Previous to Taylor’s injury, Watson was listed third on the team’s depth chart behind Taylor and Mills. Watson is currently involved in more than 20 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions and 10 criminal complaints arising from those. He has attended Texans’ practice mainly as a spectator this season and did not play in any of the Texans’ preseason games this year.