The Houston Texans made an unexpected announcement ahead of their Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a quarterback update.
Houston is on the road for this matchup. They went 5-3 on the road and 10-2 against their fellow AFC squads during the regular season. Both of those are encouraging as they prepare for a matchup against a storied franchise like the Steelers.
Still, the Texans’ personnel adjustments grabbed attention on the eve of the Wild Card tilt.
Texans Announce Change of Plans at QB
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks on before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Houston Texans Travel Update for the Wild Card Round at the Steelers,” the team’s PR staff posted on X on January 11. “CB Ajani Carter (hamstring) and QB Davis Mills (not injury related – personal) will not travel with the team to Pittsburgh. Carter has been ruled out while Mills is questionable.”
Carter is on injured reserve and has been designated to return. He practiced in full all week, but must wait until the Division Round to return, assuming the Texans advance.
Mills’ status is more pressing. Mills stepped in and led the Texans to a three-game winning streak when starting QB C.J. Stroud suffered a concussion. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has praised Mills for his efforts.
However, the Texans’ ominous update and designation for Mills may just be procedural.
“[Mills is] expected to make trip to Pittsburgh for #Steelers playoff game separately from team,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on January 11.
As QB2, Mills is always one play away from having to take over the Texans’ offense. If he cannot go, the Texans will turn to rookie sixth-round draft pick Graham Mertz behind Stroud against the Steelers.
However, there is more to Mills’ situation than Wilson or the Texans noted.
Davis Mills Announces Life-Changing News
GettyDavis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans is interviewed following the 36-29 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mills, the Texans’ former starter and a third-round pick in the 2021 draft, is healthy. That at least plays into the reports of his planned travel to join the team.
In the meantime, Mills and his wife, Tori, are celebrating the arrival of their son, Maximus Steven. The child was born on the fifth, but Mills posted the announcement to the couple’s joint Instagram account on January 10.
Whether or not that is why Mills is traveling separately remains unclear.
It is a significant development nonetheless, which will be monitored until he either joins the team in Pittsburgh or the Texans officially rule him out for Monday’s contest.
Texans Starter Still Tracking Toward
GettyJaylen Reed #23 of the Houston Texans celebrates a tackle against the Buffalo Bills.
While the news around Carter was disappointing, and the update on Mills looms large, something the Texans did not announce also figures to have a significant impact if it holds.
That is the status of rookie safety Jaylen Reed.
The sixth-round draft pick broke a metal plate in his forearm in his first start during the regular season and has been on IR since. Houston has also designated him for return. He remains on track for the Wild Card after avoiding a final ruling on the injury report or Sunday’s update.
The Texans have cycled through options at safety this season. Getting one back at this stage could provide a significant boost to the rest of the roster.
Texans Get QB News Amid Change of Plans in Wild Card Roster Update