Head coach DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans have prepared Davis Mills to start in Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars since their first practice. Starter C.J. Stroud remains in concussion protocol.
However, the situation for and around Mills got more daunting on Friday.
Mills has not started since the end of the 2022 season, stepping in cold for an injured Stroud in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos.
Davis Mills, Texans Down 2 OL vs Jaguars
GettyDavis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers.
Before the Texans could even issue their final injury report of the week, word spread around social media about the state of Mills’ offensive line. The maligned group suffered a pair of potentially devastating losses.
KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on November 7 that the “banged-up Texans” would be without right guard Ed Ingram and right tackle Tytus Howard.
Howard is in concussion protocol like Stroud, while Ingram’s issue is with his knee.
Notably, the Texans’ offensive line has allowed the sixth-lowest pressure rate, per Pro Football Reference. Week 10 could reveal whether that is a function of the scheme or Stroud’s ability to navigate an often muddied pocket.
Davis Mills ‘Ready’ to Face Jaguars
Tim Warner/Getty ImagesDavis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans in action against the Denver Broncos.
Mills is 5-19-1 in his career as a starter with the Texans. Two of his wins have come against the Jaguars, who are 5-3 and rank 17th in scoring defense, 22nd overall, and 27th against the pass.
Mills declared himself “ready” on Wednesday, saying he is eager to lead the Texans to a win.
“Obviously, I’m ready. That’s kind of how I prepare week in, week out. I’ve always had the mindset that you could play at any given snap,” Mills told reporters on November 5. “That’s what I get paid to do. Always be prepared, and it’s nice having a full week of practice going into this game to attack this defense, and go out there and lead the guys.”
Mills cited the full week of work, and knowing that he will start, as positives. However, he could have to do heavier lifting than would normally be expected from even Stroud against the Jaguars.
Texans Defense Takes Hit
Alex Slitz/Getty ImagesJalen Pitre #5 of the Houston Texans takes the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Texans pride themselves on their “swarming” defense, delivering hits and general physical play. However, it was their defense that suffered a blow on Friday. Wilson reported that nickelback Jalen Pitre (concussion) was also absent from practice.
Like Stroud and kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, who is out with a leg injury, Pitre failed to practice all week. That painted a clear picture of his likely status for game day in Week 10.
Notably, the Texans waived rookie cornerback Alijah Huzzie, further thinning their group.
The Texans enter Week 10 against a Jaguars offense that ranks 13th overall and 21st in scoring. Houston’s defense ranks first in both categories. Whether or not they can deliver a repeat performance without Pitre remains to be seen.
The Jaguars defeated the Texans in Week 3, and that was with Pitre in the lineup. Mills and Co. could need to score early and often to keep the pressure on and help their defense in Week 10.
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