New Texans coach reaffirms Watson is still team’s QB

New Houston Texans coach David Culley reiterated Thursday that the team has no intention of trading Deshaun Watson despite the star quarterback’s request to be dealt.

Culley, hired in January to replace Bill O’Brien, was asked more than a halfdozen times about Watson’s future with the team. Every time he made it clear he expects Watson to lead his team this season.

“We are very committed to Deshaun as our quarterback,” Culley said. “He is our quarterback. He’s the only guy we got under contract at this time right now.”

Culley said he has spoken to Watson since taking that job but declined to give any details.

Later he was asked whether he has tried to talk Watson into wanting to remain with the team.

“It’s not a matter of me trying to change anybody’s mind,” he said. “As I said before, right now we’re committed to him. He’s a Houston Texan and we’re going to move forward with that.”

Watson, who led the NFL in yards passing last season, has been unhappy with the direction of the team for some time. He made his request to be traded not long after the season ended.

O’Brien was fired after the Texans opened the season 0-4 and they finished 4-12 after winning the AFC South the previous two seasons.

Culley is in his first head coaching job after spending more than two decades as an NFL assistant.

BILLS RE-SIGN STARTING LINEBACKER MILANO >> The Buffalo Bills re-signed linebacker Matt Milano to a four-year contract, less than a week before the starter was eligible to become a free agent.

The signing comes a day after the Bills freed up more than $14.4 million in space under the salary cap by releasing receiver John Brown and defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson. CHIEFS CUT STARTING OTS FISHER, SCHWARTZ >> The Kansas City Chiefs released starting offensive tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz as they sought to squeeze under the salary cap.

Those moves will provide another obstacle in their quest to upgrade an offensive line ransacked by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl.

The Chiefs were more than $22 million over the cap of $182.5 million that was set Wednesday. The release of Fisher and Schwartz saves about $18.3 million.

Fisher tore his Achilles tendon in the AFC title game, and Schwartz missed half the season with a back injury.

SAINTS CUT VETERAN CORNERBACK IN LATEST SALARY DUMP >> The New Orleans Saints have released starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins in yet another roster moved aimed at helping the club get below the salary cap for the 2021 season.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis announced Jenkins’ release one day after New Orleans informed receiver Emmanuel Sanders and linebacker Kwon Alexander that they would be cut.

Golf

BIG FINISH SENDS GARCIA TO LEAD AT PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP >> Sergio Garcia used a late surge to shoot a 7-under 65, and the Spaniard holds a two-shot lead after the first round of The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

Brian Harman was alone in second place at 5 under, while a group of three at 4 under included Matthew Fitzpatrick, Corey Conners and Shane Lowry when play was suspended because of darkness with 21 players still on the course.

Playing in the morning wave, Garcia started on the back nine at TPC Sawgrass and made the turn at 3 under. He offset a bogey on No. 1 with a birdie on the next hole and added two more birdies on Nos. 7 and 8. Garcia then reached the par-5 ninth hole in two shots and rolled in his second eagle of the day.

Garcia is paired for the first two rounds with Rory McIlroy, whose openinground 79 included a quadruple bogey on the 18th hole. McIlroy was hardly the lone marquee player to struggle at TPC Sawgrass on Thursday.

Former Open champion Henrik Stenson shot a 13over 85, Tony Finau a 6-over 78 and 2015 Players champion Rickie Fowler carded a 5-over 77.

Ben An shot an 11-over 83 after putting four balls in the water and carding an 11 on the par-3 17th hole.

• Justin Rose (back) withdrew before the round, and Kevin Na (back) withdrew after shooting 81. Steve Sticker (70) replaced Rose.

Baseball

REHABBING SEVERINO THROWS OFF MOUND >> New York Yankees pitcher Luis Severino has thrown off a mound for the first time since Tommy John surgery on Feb. 27 last year. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the 27-year-old right-hander threw 20 pitches during a bullpen session Tuesday.

He is expected to be ready for a major league return this summer.

Tennis

QATAR WAS A ‘STEPPING STONE’ SAYS FEDERER >> Roger Federer’s hopes of winning a fourth title in Qatar were dashed after his quarterfinal exit, but the Swiss star said his first event after two knee surgeries was just a “stepping stone” as he targeted full fitness for the grasscourt season.

Federer took the opening set against Nikoloz Basilashvili before the Georgian fought back to win 3-6, 6-1, 7-5, ending the 39-year-old Swiss’ challenge at the tournament — his first event in 14 months.

“Like I said, I’m not 100% yet. I can feel it, I can see it,” said Federer. “So this is a stepping stone. I’m actually happy how I felt today on court overall.”

Tied with Rafa Nadal on 20 Grand Slam wins, Federer has won Wimbledon eight times.

Olympics

IOC MEMBERS WORRY ABOUT BANNING FOREIGN FANS >> Several IOC members reminded Tokyo Olympic organizers about the potential negative consequences of banning overseas fans from attending the postponed games.

Tokyo organizers say a final decision about fans from abroad will be made before the torch relay starts on March 25. The Olympics open on July 23.

Many unsourced reports in Japan, citing unnamed officials, say the decision has already been made to keep fans from abroad out of the country. Japan has controlled COVID-19 better than most places with about 8,500 deaths attributed to the virus, and the public fears the risk.

“We must find ways to deal with people who have booked and paid for their airplane tickets, games tickets and accommodation and who now may not be able to travel to Tokyo,” IOC member Spyros Capralos said.