The Houston Texans will start rookie quarterback Davis Mills against the 6-0 Arizona Cardinals Sunday at 3:25 p.m. Central Time at State Farm Stadium.
Week 7 will mark the fifth straight week that the Texans will turn to the third-rounder from Stanford. However, it may be the first week that the former Pro Bowler practices since straining his hamstring in the 31-21 loss at the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.
According to coach David Culley, the Texans are monitoring Taylor’s situation and will see if he can practice later in the week.
“We hope so,” said Culley. “I’m not really sure yet. We’re just kind of taking it week by week. Hopefully, we’ll try to get him a little bit of practice this week and kind of see how it is.”
The Texans have elevated Jeff Driskel from the practice squad to backup Mills during games while Taylor has been on injured reserve.
Culley says that part of the reason why the Texans are being cautious with Taylor is because of his mobility at quarterback, which does put more strain on hamstrings as opposed to a conventional pocket passer.
“Obviously, with a hamstring, until that thing is completely right, when you play the game the way he plays the game, there’s always that chance of happening,” Culley said. “We have methods and have ways to look and see how strong it is and where he’s at. When he gets to that point where we know that it’s right, we’ll have him back out on the field. Right now, it’s not that time.”
The Texans go home to host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8 at NRG Stadium before going on the road once more for a tilt with the Miami Dolphins in Week 9. Houston’s bye is in Week 10.
