Team news: Houston Texans | Page 28

Texans rookie WR Nico Collins is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a shoulder injury that he sustained in Sunday’s loss to Browns, per source.

Collins hasn't been a huge factor so far, but did add his second catch of the season in Week 2 with a 32-yard grab. Brandin Cooks remains the big threat in the offense at WR catching 9 passes for 78 yards and a TD.

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.

Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears said he feels confident running back Damien Harris will "step up to the plate" after his late-game fumble against the Dolphins. "We have not had a problem with him," Fears said.

Related players: Rhamondre Stevenson, James White, J.J. Taylor, Brandon Bolden

There were stories Monday the Patriots were going limit Harris' workload as a result of his fumble. With Sony Michel now in LA, next up is rookie Stevenson, but Stevenson fumbled in the game as well and lost playing time, and the Patriots aren't loaded with safer options. So this is at least a good sign the team will continue to trust Harris. Harris now comes with some risk in Week 2 until we see his workload.

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.

Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr. is out 4-5 months after undergoing surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his knee, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Related Players: Tyler Conklin, Chris Herndon

The Chris Herndon acquisition by Minnesota confirms the rumors of an extended absence for Smith. Sadly, this surgery and its recovery timeline likely mean Smith will miss the 2021 season.

Texans cut WR KeKe Coutee.

A name that has fluttered on the depth chart now officially out in Houston.

Related players: Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, Chris Conley

The release of Coutee is a bit of a surprise considering the Texans aren't necessarily loaded at the position. Outside of Cooks, a lot of playing time and targets will be up for grabs and among them should be Collins and Conley at this point.

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.

Vikings TE Tyler Conklin has the wrapping off his injured hamstring.

Related players: Irv Smith Jr.

Thomasson added all indications are Conklin could be doing some practicing this week. He also added that's good news with Smith Jr. hurt and potentially missing some time. We have Conklin next up on the depth chart behind Smith Jr.