Jeff Driskel will return to a backup role for the Texans’ Week 3 game. Houston intends to promote the veteran quarterback from its practice squad ahead of Thursday’s Panthers matchup, Aaron Wilson of Sports Talk 790 notes.
One of a few quarterbacks the Texans acquired this offseason, Driskel has climbed into position to be Davis Mills‘ backup. The Texans placed Tyrod Taylor on IR Tuesday, sidelining their starter for at least three games. David Culley confirmed Mills will make his first start in Week 3.
As of Wednesday, Mills and Deshaun Watson are the only quarterbacks on the Texans’ active roster. Culley confirmed Watson will not be an option for the team this week. The Texans made the three-time Pro Bowler a healthy scratch in each of their first two games. Embroiled in criminal and civil cases stemming from sexual assault and sexual misconduct allegations, Watson has not worked with the Texans’ new staff.
During an offseason in which the Texans added Taylor and Mills, Driskel signed a one-year deal worth $2.5MM. The Texans guaranteed Driskel $500K but released him ahead of roster cutdown day. Houston retained Driskel via a practice squad deal, keeping him as a de facto third-stringer — with Watson not factoring into the team’s current QB hierarchy — to start the season.
A former sixth-round 49ers pick, Driskel has been with three teams — the Bengals, Lions and Broncos — during the past three seasons. The 28-year-old passer made one start with Denver last season and has nine as a pro.