Davis Mills to Start For Texans on Thursday Night

Texans head coach David Culley announced on Tuesday that rookie Davis Mills will start at quarterback on Thursday night against the Panthers.

The 2021 third round selection (67th overall) will fill in for Tyrod Taylor for his first career NFL start. Taylor suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Browns and is out for the forseeable future.

Mills, 22, played at Stanford, amassing a 6-5 record with 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Mills was a highly decorated recruit before committing to Stanford. He was a five-star recruit and the top quarterback in the 2017 class.

The Texans enter Thursday's matchup looking to improve to 2-1 on the season. As Mills takes over, it brings up the Deshaun Watson saga yet again. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Watson will be inactive on Thursday, as is Houston's plan for the entire season. Mills was originally drafted as insurance for Watson, who awaits his fate amid over 20 sexual assault accusations.

Mills will get his chance in front of a national audience against a Panthers defense that has allowed just 21 points through two games.

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Nick Geddes is a 2021 graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. A life-long sports enthusiast, Nick shares a passion for sports writing and is proud to represent OutKick.