Texans’ Davis Mills sidelined with bruised ribs, Will Anderson Jr., ankle improving, starters to play against Giants

HOUSTON – Texans backup quarterback Davis Mills is recovering from bruised ribs after getting banged up during a road preseason game last Friday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It is not regarded as a long-term issue.

Mills didn’t practice Thursday after being on the field initially at the start of practice inside NRG Stadium, and has been limited throughout the week.

Mills has had a strong preseason, completing 18 of 26 passes (69.2 completion percentage) for 191 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions for a 103.2 passer rating in two games. He has displayed an improved ability to improvise and shrug off pass rushers to hang in the pocket and hit the open target.

“Everything is good with Davis,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Feel good about Davis. He’s done a really good job for us all throughout training camp and the preseason, so feel really good about Davis.”

The Texans’ starters are set to play against the New York Giants on Saturday in a noon kickoff at NRG Stadium. Ryans didn’t indicate how long they will play. It’s regarded as likely they’ll play at least the first quarter, if not a bit longer.

Overall, the Texans are getting healthier and have had a productive preseason as far as managing players returning from injuries.

Texans Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil returned to practice this week after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery this offseason and was joined on the practice field by right tackle Tytus Howard and right guard Shaq Mason, who missed a few practices with knee and arm injuries, respectively, along with rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter from an ankle injury. Lassiter missed the first two preseason games, but is regarded as likely to make his NFL debut against the Giants. Tunsil, Howard and Mason all didn’t play against the Steelers.

Several players didn’t practice Thursday, including cornerback Jeff Okudah, who has nearly recovered from a hip injury, Pro Bowl defensive end Will Anderson Jr., who’s making progress with his ankle injury, wide receiver Noah Brown (shoulder), tight end Teagan Quitoriano (strained calf), offensive tackle Charlie Heck (plantar fasciitis flareup in foot), linebacker Christian Harris (strained calf), wide receiver Ben Skowronek (lower leg), defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. (calf), suspended defensive lineman Denico Autry, fullback Andrew Beck (calf) and safety M.J. Stewart.

“Having a chance to open up our preseason here at home, it will be exciting to get our fans in our building,” Ryans said. “We were on the road long enough. We’re excited of course to be back home in front of our home fans and all of our guys that it’s their first year in Houston, I want them to witness and see what a H-Town atmosphere is like. I’m excited to get back into our stadium. It will be fun.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.