Report: Texans willing to keep Watson inactive during season

The Houston Texans are prepared to keep Deshaun Watson on their 53-man roster in 2021 and make the quarterback inactive every week, sources told NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.

Texans head coach David Culley didn't comment Monday about whether Watson will be on the roster. Teams get until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to cut rosters from 80 to 53 players.

"We're day to day with those things," Culley said.

Watson initially requested a trade from the Texans in January. He reported for training camp in July, but his request has remained in place. The signal-caller has logged only limited practice participation, and he didn't appear in any preseason games.

The 25-year-old's future is uncertain while he deals with off-field issues. He's facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior, and 10 women have also filed criminal complaints against him.

Although the NFL cleared Watson for camp without restrictions, the league is still investigating the allegations.

Multiple teams have shown interest in Watson and are monitoring his situation, but a trade involving the three-time Pro Bowler reportedly isn't imminent. The Miami Dolphins are reportedly the front-runners in trade discussions.

Houston reportedly wants a package that includes three first-round picks and two second-round selections.

The passer completed 70.2% of his throws while recording 33 touchdown tosses and a league-high 4,823 passing yards last season. He signed a four-year, $156-million extension last September that contains a no-trade clause.

The Texans added three new quarterbacks this offseason, signing free agents Tyrod Taylor and Jeff Driskel and drafting Davis Mills in the third round.