CLEVELAND -- Calamity struck Texans veteran starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor again Sunday.
The frequently injured passer injured his hamstring and was ruled out for the remainder of the game after a strong first-half performance against the Cleveland Browns, his former team. He was replaced by rookie Davis Mills, a third-round draft pick from Stanford.
Taylor's game-ending hamstring injury could impact Thursday night's game against the Carolina Panthers. Mills, who threw an interception to linebacker Malcolm Smith in the third quarter, could have to start his first NFL game.
Jeff Driskel is regarded as likely to be activated from the practice squad with embattled Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson (trade request, legal issues) remaining inactive.
Taylor, who lost his starting job with the Browns due to a concussion in 2018 and his starting job with the Los Angeles Chargers last year due to a team doctor accidentally puncturing his lung with a pain-killing injection for a rib injury, had completed 10 of 11 passes for 125 yards, one touchdown pass and one touchdown run.
Taylor appeared to injure his hamstring on the touchdown run, pulling up as he approached the end zone and slowly crossed the goal line.
Meanwhile, slot wide receiver Danny Amendola was ruled out with a hamstring injury and rookie wide receiver Nico Collins was ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Mills threw three interceptions in the preseason against the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also lost a fumble.
Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 seasons, including the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. He has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He’s on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128.
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