Texans coach David Culley says he has ‘been happy’ with QB Davis Mills’ play
HOUSTON — Shortly after the Houston Texans’ 31-5 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, coach David Culley announced that quarterback Tyrod Taylor will return to practice on Wednesday, but his status for the Week 7 match against the 6-1 Los Angeles Rams remain questionable.
If Tayler makes his return to the active roster this Sunday, Culley said the 32-year-old veteran will reclaim his role as the Texans’ starter under center — despite the organization transitioning to a youth movement headlined by rookie quarterback Davis Mills.
Mills started every game for the injured Taylor, and his play has left a modest evaluation on the Texans’ coaching staff.
“Davis has been fine, and I’ve been happy with his play,” Culley said during his media press conference on Monday. “When he protects the ball, he has done everything we ask of him. There have been a few things we needed him to do that he hasn’t done, but that’s what some rookies do. For the most part, I’ve been very happy with how he has handled things.”
The Texans have dropped six consecutive games since Taylor went down with a Grade 2 hamstring strain during their Week 2 loss to the Cleveland Browns. But despite the losses, Mills felt he has improved with his play each week.
In the six games filling in for Taylor, Mills has thrown for 1,047 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions. His best game of the year came during the Texans’ 25-22 loss to the New England Patriots, where he recorded a career-best 312 yards in passing and three touchdowns in the loss.
Mills credited a portion of his continuous enchantment to his predecessor, stating that Taylor has been helpful throughout the process. If Taylor returns to the starting lineup against the Rams, Mills will not have a problem returning to his initial role as Houston’s second-string quarterback.
“Whatever decision is made, that’s up to coach and the front offense,” Mills said. “I know that both of us are willing to do what it takes for the team to win. I think the experience was the biggest thing for me. I’m getting that right now, and I’ve definitely grown from where I was before I was playing. I’m willing to do whatever it takes for the team to win.”
Prior to his hamstring injury, Taylor was on the verge of having his best season since 2017 as a member of the Buffalo Bills. In the six quarters played, Taylor threw for 416 yards and two touchdowns while completing 70.5 percent of his passes from the pocket.
