Texans tried to end training camp early and limit media access, but NFL said no
The Houston Texans want to limit how much the media can observe the team. The Texans attempted to end training camp Wednesday, but that idea was nixed by the NFL, according to the Houston Chronicle.
If the Texans got their way, the team would have been able to significantly restrict media access over the next couple weeks. Once a team transitions to the regular season, it can begin to restrict media access during practices. The Texans attempted to switch to regular season mode Wednesday, but were informed it would violate NFL rules, which stipulate practices must be fully open to local media until Aug. 26.
The Texans were reminded of that rule, and reversed course.
It's the first training camp held under new head coach David Culley, who was hired by the team in the offseason.
Texans dealing with Deshaun Watson situation
The move to try and limit media access comes as the Texans are trying to navigate around the Deshaun Watson situation. Watson was accused of varying degrees of sexual misconduct by 22 women during the offseason.
Despite that, Watson reported to training camp, but hasn't taken many reps with the team. He also will not play in the team's first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
In addition to that, the team put out its first "unofficial" depth chart Wednesday and Watson was listed fourth on the quarterback depth chart.
The Texans’ unofficial depth chart (that says it is updated by @TexansPR), lists Deshaun Watson as the Texans’ fourth quarterback. pic.twitter.com/llKMW7C3zE
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) August 11, 2021
The entire situation should draw extra attention from the media, who likely have questions regarding what's going on with Watson and why Watson isn't getting practice reps.
Limiting media access wouldn't necessarily make those questions go away, but it would make it easier for the team to control the narrative regarding Watson's status.
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