The Houston Texans plan to stick with rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals in their Week 2 clash Thursday. The Texans started Tom Savage, but he failed to put the team on the board in the first half. This prompted coach Bill O’Brien to bench Savage and start Watson in the second half. Watson led the Texans to their only scoring drive in the third quarter, throwing his first NFL regular-season touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins.
Watson completed 12 of 23 passes for 102 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
In two quarters of work, Savage went 7-for-13 for 62 yards and no touchdown for the Texans. While O’Brien declined to name his starter against the Bengals, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network Insider said the Texans will start the rookie if he’s healthy. A source told Rapoport that Watson was spotted limping Sunday due to an ankle injury. If Watson can’t start, the Texans will give Savage one more chance to save his starting job.
Cardinals rusher to miss extended amount of time
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians announced that running back David Johnson’s wrist injury could require surgery that will sideline him for up to 12 weeks. According to Arians, Johnson's initial outlook is the same as running back T.J.
Logan's, who is sidelined for 12 weeks with his own wrist injury. Adam Schefter of ESPN said the team could make a decision on whether Johnson will undergo surgery or not in the next 24-48 hours. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider said the Cardinals could place Johnson on injured reserve.
Johnson sustained the injury after a 24-yard reception in third quarter of their 35-23 loss to the Detroit Lions.
He returned on the next drive but fumbled on his next carry before sitting out the rest of the game. Last season, Johnson finished with an NFL-best 2,118 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns. Kerwynn Williams is expected to fill the void left by Johnson while Andre Ellington earns some extra playing time.
Carson Palmer blames himself for loss to Lions
Veteran quarterback Carson Palmer placed the blame on himself after the Cardinals lost to the Lions. The 37-year-old Palmer threw three interceptions, including a pick-six that put the Lions ahead, 35-17, late in the fourth period. "You can't throw that many interceptions," Arians said, calling Palmer’s performance as poor. "I just didn't do a good enough job. I put that solely on myself,” said Palmer, who completed 27 of 48 passes for 269 yards and a touchdown. Palmer will have a chance to bounce back when they take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.
