With Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy out for the season after undergoing surgery Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, the rumors mill has caught fire.
Sam Darnold will start Week 1, but could Minnesota be in the market for another passer to compete for reps? If so, who are the top options?
Derek Carr?
Marcus Mariota?
Davis Mills?
Perhaps the Houston Texans could field calls for the fourth-year signal-caller if the Vikings become desperate, but Mills’ absence from Thursday’s walk-through had nothing to do with a potential trade. According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Mills missed the last two practices after taking a hit to the ribs in Friday’s win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed following practice that Mills was fine.
With Texans backup quarterback Davis Mills not taking snaps the last two practices and not being available for Thursday’s practice, I asked head coach DeMeco Ryans if everything was ok. #TexansTrainingCamp #BigSargeMedia pic.twitter.com/klS9rOxcHS
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) August 15, 2024
“He’s done a really good job for us all throughout training camp and the preseason, so feel really good about Davis,” Ryans said Thursday.
Mills’ status for Saturday’s preseason home opener against the New York Giants remains a mystery. The Texans are expected to play starters and could even upgrade their playing time with another week of practice, though Ryans didn’t confirm how long starters would play at NRG Stadium once kickoff is underway at noon.
Mills is in line to take over as the Texans’ backup quarterback after a strong preseason. Through two games, Mills has completed 18-of-26 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown. He’s also improved with the ability to improvise under pressure while behind the line of scrimmage.
Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) likely won’t take the field after missing another practice. He hasn’t taken reps since the team left for Canton to play in the Hall of Fame game, though he isn’t expected to miss the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
Some might have assumed that Anderson could miss an extended period after ESPN reported that the Texans were linked to New England pass rusher Matthew Judon. Houston and New England have done business in the past and Judon wants to play for a winning franchise to better his odds of a new deal entering a contract season.
Ultimately, the Atlanta Falcons gave up a third-round pick to land the 32-year-old. After signing Kirk Couisins this offseason, the Falcons are trying to win this year. If they agree to a long-term deal with Judon, they should keep their window open past 2024 under potential future franchise quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Atlanta signed Justin Simmons to a one-year deal worth $8 million on Thursday afternoon. There were rumors that the Texans had offered a deal, but the two sides never met when the two-time Pro Bowler visited other teams earlier this month.
Anderson missing the preseason isn’t too concerning so long as he’s back to his 2023 ways by Week 4. Houston brought in Danielle Hunter as Jonathan Greenard’s replacement and he’s expected to put Pro Bowl-caliber numbers in Ryans’ front seven.
Other players not practicing and could miss Saturday’s game include cornerback Jeff Okudah, wide receiver Noah Brown, tight end Teagan Quitoriano, offensive tackle Charlie Heck, linebacker Christian Harris, wide receiver Ben Skowronek, defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr., fullback Andrew Beck and safety M.J. Stewart.