Watson proud to be part of Black QB surge
There have never been this many Black starting quarterbacks at the beginning of an NFL season.
It’s a sign of a progress in the league at a position that lacked diversity for decades.
Besides the Texans’ Deshaun Watson, the other nine Black starting quarterbacks are Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Cam Newton (Patriots), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Kyler Murray (Cardinals), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Teddy Bridgewater (Panthers), Dwayne Haskins (Washington) and Tyrod Taylor (Chargers).
Watson, who grew up in Georgia as a fan of Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, recognized the milestone in a Zoom video call.
“It’s something cool,” Watson said. “It’s definitely dope to be a part of and create history in that way. Guys just got to continue to go, giving other African American quarterbacks that are younger more opportunities, especially from where I come from.
“At the same time, you’ve got to go out there and perform and get the same knowledge and same wisdom as everyone else that’s at this level. We’ve just got to continue to grow and use it as a positive thing, for sure.”
Cooks is expected to play vs. Ravens
Veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks is listed as questionable, but he’s set to play Sunday against the Ravens, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
Cooks was a game-time decision last week because of a quadriceps injury, but he played against the Kansas City Chiefs without aggravating the leg. He has improved a lot this week and has practiced every day.
Right offensive tackle Tytus Howard is questionable with an ankle injury and has been limited, but sources said he also will play.
Running back Duke Johnson’s sprained left ankle is improving, and his status for Sunday is still to be determined. If Johnson is active, he’s expected to be limited.
Backup inside linebacker Peter Kalambayi is expected to be out Sunday with a hamstring injury. Kalambayi didn’t practice Friday and is listed as questionable.
Coutee working toward return
When the Texans opened the season in Kansas City, wide receiver Keke Coutee was inactive, In part because of a minor stress fracture in his foot he suffered during training camp.
The Texans feel Coutee’s
health is improving and envision him potentially playing this season, perhaps as soon as this week.
The former fourthround pick from Texas Tech has battled a myriad of injuries during his first three seasons in the NFL, including hamstring problems and a sprained ankle.
“Keke is doing a really good job,” Texans coach and general manager Bill O’Brien said of Coutee, who caught 22 passes for 254 yards in nine games last season. “He was injured
in camp, and that’s more to do with where he’s at with that injury. He’s working.
“I believe he will help us, possibly this week, this year. We feel good about Keke. It’s more of a combination of things, relative to why he was inactive last week.”
Tunsil gives RT seal of approval
As the highest paid offensive lineman in the league, Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil is firmly established.
Right tackle Tytus Howard is still developing his game after being an all-rookie selection last year.
In the opener against the Chiefs, Howard had a rough time pass blocking, allowing one sack and three quarterback pressures.
Nonetheless, Howard is highly regarded by Tunsil.
“He’s a dog,” Tunsil said Friday. “He still has a lot to develop. This is only his second year, but in my opinion, and I see him every day, I think he’s going to be a great player. He puts everything on the line every day.”