WR Brandin Cooks not focused on who will be Texans’ starting quarterback

There was a good idea that Tyrod Taylor would be the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback come Week 1 of the regular season.

Enter Deshaun Watson, who reported to training camp to avoid a $50,000 per day fine after sitting out the entire offseason program. Although it is unlikely he will play another down for the Texans, given that he has not rescinded his trade request from late January, the possibility is out there: will he be the Texans’ starting quarter back for 2021?

Receiver Brandin Cooks isn’t focused on who is throwing him the ball on the first team offense. Cooks’ job is merely to catch it.

“You know, I didn’t focus on any of that,” Cooks said. “I just kind of focused on coming into camp, being ready the best way I can and whatever happens, happens.”

Through the Texans’ eight-week offseason program, which included 10 days of organized team activities, Cooks was able to get a feel for how the offense would operate with Taylor under center.

“You’re talking about a guy with a great work ethic, a vet, obviously been playing this game for a long time,” Cooks said. “You know, it’s fun out there being able to hear how he sees things when we’re going through plays, so a lot of respect for him.”

Taylor earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2015 as the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. In 2017, Taylor led the Bills to their first playoff appearance since 1999.

In addition to Taylor and Watson, the Texans also have backup Jeff Driskel on the roster along with third-round rookie Davis Mills. When the Watson situation gets resolved, there is also a possibility that Mills could impress enough during training camp and preseason to earn the starting job.

Regardless of who starts against the Jacksonville Jaguars to open the season, Cooks’ concern is hauling in receptions.