Texans quarterback Davis Mills will make his first NFL start Thursday night when Houston hosts the Carolina Panthers. Texans coach David Culley announced the move Tuesday morning.

Related players: Jeff Driskel

Mills, a third-round rookie, went 8 of 18 passing for 102 yards with a touchdown pass and interception in a 31-21 loss to the Browns. Driskel could be elevated from the practice squad as, of course, Deshaun Watson is expected to be a healthy scratch.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s hamstring injury could keep him out for four weeks.

Taylor was injured in the second quarter of the Texans’ 31-21 loss at Cleveland, and he was replaced by rookie Davis Mills, who’ll start Thursday night’s game against Carolina at NRG Stadium.

Related players: Davis Mills, Jeff Driskel

Depending on how quickly Taylor’s hamstring responds to treatment, sources familiar with his situation haven’t ruled out an earlier return, but the Texans have always been extra cautious with hamstring and groin injuries and aren’t expected to rush him back, the story went on to say. Mills will get the start and the team is expected to back him up with Driskel on a short week, Thursday night game. If he's still on the wire, Mills is worth adding in deeper leagues or superflex leagues but he's obviously not a confident start for fantasy owners.

David Culley says Deshaun Watson will NOT play Thursday.

Related players: Tyrod Taylor, Davis Mills

It probably shouldn't come as a surprise the team won't turn to Watson given his off-field issues. Taylor is likely out and Mills wasn't impressive coming on in relief in Week 2. But it looks like the Texans will make Watson inactive yet again for Week 3, and look to give Mills the start.

Texans rookie QB Davis Mills started the second half in place of an injured Tyrod Taylor.

Deja vu for Taylor? At least it wasn't a freak injury like last year. This time, he limped off after his rushing touchdown in the second quarter. The Texans are tied with the Browns, 14-14.

Texans coach David Culley tells reporters that Tyrod Taylor will start at QB, which confirms what appeared clear: Deshaun Watson will sit on the roster but not play.

Related players: Davis Mills

As expected Taylor gets the nod for the Texans. Recent reports have indicated Watson would just be inactive every week and that appears to be the direction we're heading toward. Between the baggage that comes with Watson right now, and what is said to be the Texans' high asking price, other teams don't want to make the commitment. It's probably likely that at some point this season, Mills will take over for Taylor, but it's not an ideal fantasy situation for either QB.

The Texans are not expected to trade QB Deshaun Watson before today’s 4 pm cut down day deadline, sources tell me and Tom Pelissero.

Related players: Tyrod Taylor, Davis Mills

Rapoport said barring a dramatic turn, Houston is now positioned to keep him into the regular season — at least. A story we had here at 4for4 yesterday said the team is planning to make Watson inactive every week of the season. Other suggested they could try to place him on IR, and save a roster spot. Taylor is expected to start the season at QB, but no one would be surprised to see the team turns things over to Mills at some point this year.

The Texans have signed QB Davis Mills, their top draft choice, to his four-year, $5,222,110 rookie contract.

With the QB position still up in the air in Houston, Davis Mills should see some playing time in 2021. If DeShaun Watson is sidelined for a significant amount of time, Mills and Tyrod Taylor will presumably share the job this season.