Deshaun Watson isn't expected to play in Texans' preseason opener
The mystery of Deshaun Watson's short- and long-term future in the NFL isn't fading anytime soon, it appears.
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio spoke with SportsRadio 610 in Houston on Tuesday morning about Watson's status with the team for the preseason opener at the Green Bay Packers.
"I don't expect [Watson] to play," Caserio said.
It's unlikely Watson would travel with the team for Saturday evening's game, either, according to various media reports.
Texans head coach David Culley added that Watson was “unlikely to play” against Green Bay “based on the limited reps he’s had in practice.” Asked if Watson might be on the field for future preseason games, Culley had no comment on that.
Watson remains in limbo. He is accused by at least 22 women of varying degrees of sexual misconduct, all filing civil lawsuits on those allegations. More women women have reportedly spoken with the Houston Police Department for its investigation into Watson.
There have been no criminals charges filed against the QB. Houston PD's investigation against him remains open.
Everyone is in wait-and-see mode
The NFL has not levied any discipline against Watson to date and has said there are "no restrictions" on his activity in camp. The league's lack of activity on this awkward situation has left Watson with the team in camp, even though he is essentially a bystander while the off-field process plays out. The league has interviewed some of the accusers but not Watson to date.
After Watson reported to training camp on July 25, he has barely seen the field. When he has seen work at quarterback, it strictly has been in individual sessions.
Watson missed time last week with what reportedly was a leg injury but was seen working during part of the Texans' practice session Monday before finishing practice wearing street clothes.
Watson, meanwhile, has let it be known through backchannels that he still wants to be traded, a request he first issued prior to the slew of civil complaints descended, many of which alleged that Watson inappropriately touched women during professional massages.
Until there's movement on Watson's legal issues, his playing status figures to remain static. Even though he could be the Texans' quarterback down the road depending on how matters shake out, the Texans' recent actions suggest we shouldn't expect to see him playing much real football for some time.
More from Yahoo Sports:
