Tyrod Taylor's impressive start to a redemption game ended early.
Taylor was ruled out of Houston's 31-21 loss to Cleveland due to a hamstring injury.
Texans head coach David Culley told reporters after the game that Taylor injured his hamstring while running to his left on a pass attempt. Culley added that it is not clear if Taylor will be able to play this Thursday when Houston hosts the Carolina Panthers.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Taylor is not expected to play Thursday and the team will know more about about his status after he undergoes an MRI on his injured hamstring.
Taylor initially appeared to suffer the injury on a scramble that resulted in a touchdown midway through the second quarter. At the end of the run, Taylor oddly pulled up from a run to walking speed, crossing the goal line uncontested and looking more relieved than excited that he just gave his team the lead.
Taylor took a knee in the end zone and was followed to the bench by a staffer after he scored. Taylor did not return to action at the start of the second half, with rookie Davis Mills replacing him with the game tied 14-14. Mills is expected to start Week 3 if Taylor is unable to play, per Rapoport.
The hamstring injury brought an early finish to a great performance from Taylor, who left the game after completing 10 of 11 passes for 125 yards, one touchdown and a near-perfect 144.3 passer rating. Cleveland had no answer for Taylor, who picked his spots underneath, kept Houston's offense moving with surprising efficiency, and used his legs to add to his team's scoring total.
