Texans Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson returned to practice Monday after being sidelined last week with calf and ankle tightness.
Watson practiced for five periods before heading off the field. That was apparently the plan for his activity level. During practice, he connected with wide receiver Anthony Miller for one touchdown pass during one-on-one passing drills as he didn't participate in full-team drills.
Although the NFL's passing yardage leader is back on the practice field, league sources said that Watson still wants to be traded. No trade is imminent or developing at this time, though, per sources.
Other than being back on the field, the status quo with Watson, who is still dealing with some tightness in his leg.
Watson, who is facing 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and or sexual misconduct and 10 complaints being investigated by the Houston Police Department, first asked for a trade in January due to discontent with the organization. That stance hasn't changed as Watson, who has a no-trade clause in his $156 million contract, still wants to be traded.
Where all of this leaves Watson and the Texans is in a holding pattern.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio wants to be sure he gets maximum value in exchange for Watson in any prospective trade. And Watson will be extremely picky about whom he waives that no-trade clause for. The Miami Dolphins are believed to be atop Watson’s wish list for a potential trade. The Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers are among the other potential landing destinations for Watson.
The Texans are unwilling to lower their demands for Watson and want three first-round draft picks, two second-round draft picks, and two starters in exchange for the former Clemson consensus All-American and national champion.
Where all of this leaves Watson and the Texans is at an impasse.
And Tyrod Taylor is the Texans' starting quarterback.
“Tyrod is doing a good job coming in here and, you know, being professional and getting a good grasp of the offense, how things are shaking out, the different reads," offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said.
"For a guy who has played as long as he had, a lot of it ends up just being translation. He understands the plays, just now how we call it and what are the specifics from this offense to the different offenses he’s played in. He’s doing a good job with that. He’s got a really good control of the huddle. He’s doing a good job of leading that offense."
Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 years and has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He’s on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128