Deshaun Watson did not take part in the Houston Texans' first padded training camp practice on Tuesday. The team's Pro Bowl quarterback missed practice after he had his foot examined by a trainer on Monday, according to Aaron Wilson of Sports Talk 790.
When pressed about why Watson was absent from practice after being out there every other day, Texans coach David Culley refused to provide any details. "As I've said before, we're day-to-day with him," Culley said. "The only thing that's changed from the standpoint of that is that we make a decision day-to-day based on what's best for our football team and I'm going to leave it at that."
Watson has been attending practice in order to avoid being fined $50,000 per day. Watson has publicly requested a trade on several occasions this offseason. He has reportedly drawn interest from multiple teams that are closely monitoring his legal situation. Watson has faced 10 complaints filed with the Houston Police Department and 22 civil lawsuits alleging assault and/or sexual misconduct. Watson has denied wrongdoing through his attorney.
Handling the first-team reps Tuesday was veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who inked a one-year deal with the Texans shortly after the start of free agency. Taylor recently said that he was "completely healthy" after missing most of the 2020 season with a punctured lung. A former Pro Bowler, Taylor said he has embraced his role as a team leader.
"Guys look for me for leadership," Taylor said, via the team's website. "Obviously that comes with the quarterback position, and I welcome that role. It also comes with experience in the NFL. Guys naturally gravitate to older guys and want to learn and pick their brains, and that's what we need."
Taylor has been lauded by his new teammates as well as by Texans first-year head coach David Culley.
"Tyrod Taylor is a pro's pro," Culley said, via USA Today. "He knows how it's supposed to be done. He knows what it's supposed to look like. And it's been good having him here, and, you know what, he's been great at giving information and being a great teammate."
