Texans QB Taylor returns to practice
Houston Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since injuring his hamstring in Week 2, but his status for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams remains uncertain.
Taylor opened the season as Houston’s starter with Deshaun Watson sitting out amid a trade request and 22 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment or assault. Taylor led the Texans to a win in the opener against Jacksonville before injuring his hamstring Sept. 19 on a touchdown run in the second quarter of a loss to Cleveland, and rookie Davis Mills took over after halftime.
The Texans have struggled with Mills under center and have lost six games in a row. Houston scored 22 points in a loss to New England Oct. 10, but has managed just eight points combined in its past two games, and two of those points came on a safety. Coach David Culley has said repeatedly that Taylor would get his job back when he’s healthy, but he said Wednesday that they still aren’t sure if he’ll be ready to go this week.
Jets
Mike White is going from little-known backup to the Big Apple spotlight. White will make his first NFL start Sunday for New York against the Cincinnati Bengals in place of injured Zach Wilson.
“We have a lot of faith in Mike,” coach Robert Saleh said. “Mike has done a hell of a job. He’s earned this right to go out there and play on Sunday and show what he’s capable of.”
White filled in for Wilson this past Sunday after the rookie quarterback injured his right knee in New York’s 54-13 loss at New England. Wilson has a sprained posterior cruciate ligament and will be out at least two weeks.
Raiders
Owner Mark Davis said he doesn’t believe the team was targeted in the leaking of emails that led to the resignation of coach Jon Gruden. Speaking after the NFL owners meetings ended, Davis also acknowledged the team reached a settlement with Gruden, who received a 10year, $100 million contract to return to coach the team in 2018. He did not reveal terms.
Packers
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry won’t attend the team’s Thursday night game at Arizona because of COVID-19 protocols. Barry’s responsibilities would be divided between defensive backs coach Jerry Gray and inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti.