Veteran DT Dunn cut after six years
The Texans have cut defensive tackle Brandon Dunn, multiple people with knowledge of the situation said Thursday.
Dunn, who was entering the second of a three-year deal with the Texans, started in 37 games for the franchise in the last six seasons.
Dunn was in competition with Vincent Taylor, DeMarcus Walker and promising rookie Roy Lopez, among others, in a deep lineman room that’s transitioning to a four-man front under new defensive coordinator Lovie Smith.
The roster move cuts Houston’s roster down to 84 players, one fewer than the 85-player limit the NFL required its teams to meet by 3 p.m. Tuesday.
General manager Nick Caserio will need to reduce the roster to 80 players by next Tuesday.
The Texans play their second preseason games against the Cowboys 7 p.m. Saturday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Consistency is key for rookie Mills
Texans coach David Culley says he’s still looking for more consistency from rookie quarterback Davis Mills in the team’s second preseason game against the Cowboys on Saturday.
The third-round pick from Stanford was 11 of 22 passing for 112 yards and an interception in his professional debut against the Packers last week, an upand-down performance that included the same kind of costly turnover that sometimes pop up in training camp practices.
“We’ve got to eliminate those kinds of things,” Culley said before practice Thursday, “and I expect him to be more consistent and take better care of the ball.”
Starters will play more often against the Cowboys, which means Tyrod Taylor will likely get more than the one drive he had in Green Bay, in which he completed all four of his passes for 40 yards on the way to a Texans field goal.
Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said he’s pleased so far with the development of Mills, and he playfully razzed the 22-year-old for wearing a “goofy” bucket hat during training camp.
“Yeah, he’s a guy who’s big, he’s strong, he’s smart,” Kelly said. “He’s a better athlete than when you see him kind of walk out here. He kind of looks goofy, right? Especially with that bucket hat. We’ve got to get that off of him. He’s a better athlete than you would guess by just seeing him on the hoof. He’s got a strong arm. He’s smart. So it’s just going to be reps and just feeling the defense and getting a feel for the speed of the game. Again, I think all rookie quarterbacks have an adjustment to make when it comes to that, but he’s doing a good job preparing and putting in the work and watching the film. We’re pleased with where he’s at. Now he’s got to take another step this week.”
Starters set for preseason debut
Every available Texans player is expected to play in the team’s second preseason game against the Cowboys on Saturday.
This means starters will get more playing time after the majority of Houston’s best players sat out in the preseason opener at Green Bay last week.
Safety Justin Reid, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, running back Mark Ingram, defensive end Whitney Mercilus, linebackers Zach Cunningham and Christian Kirksey, tight end Pharaoh Brown and defensive tackles Maliek Collins were among the 23 players who did not appear in a 26-7 victory over the Packers played by mostly reserves.
Starting cornerback Bradley Roby and swing tackle Tytus Howard, who can also play left guard, both returned from the reserve/COVID-19 list this week and are expected to see their first action of the preseason. Starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil remains on the reserve/ COVID-19 list.
“Here’s the thing about the starter thing,” Culley said. “We haven’t really yet determined who’s a starter for us and who’s not a starter for us right now. I do know that last week those guys that played, but didn’t play a lot, will play a little more. How much? I’m not really sure yet.”
Watson works with trainers
One day after Culley said Deshaun Watson wasn’t injured, the quarterback came to practice and worked on a separate field with one of the Texans’ trainers.
Two weeks ago, Watson didn’t come to practice because he was getting treatment for ankle and calf injuries. Last week, he attended practice and remained the fourth quarterback behind Taylor, Mills and Jeff Driskel. He didn’t make the trip to Green Bay.
On Tuesday, Culley said Watson was doing everything the team asked him to do, including working out, getting treatment and attending position meetings .
“He’s not injured,” Culley said.
On Thursday, Watson was working with trainers with injured players.