Texans rookie quarterback Davis Mills is making his first NFL start against the Panthers on Thursday night.

Mills made his first appearance on the field during the second half of the Texans’ 31-21 loss to the Browns. After Tyrod Taylor left the field with a hamstring injury before halftime, Texans coach David Culley decided to give the rookie a chance. The third-round draft pick completed eight of 18 passes for 102 yards and threw one touchdown and an interception. 

Although Mills had a somewhat rocky introduction to the NFL, he will be tested with one of the top defenses in the league. The Panthers’ defense in  currently leads the NFL with 10 sacks and 21 quarterback hits. Linebacker Shaq Thompson leads the Panthers with 14 total tackles and one sack through two games, while linebacker Haason Reddick leads in sacks with three and totals seven tackles. During their 26-7 win over the Saints, Panthers’ first-round pick Jaycee Horn stepped in for Myles Hartsfield, after he left the field with an injury, and totaled an interception for 13 yards. 

Coming off of an undefeated 2-0 start to the season, the Panthers are favored by seven and a half points, according to FanDuel. Sam Darnold is effectively leading the Carolina offense, as he threw for 305 yards and totaled two touchdowns against the Saints. Darnold will likely show big numbers against the Texans’ defense that continues to struggle.

Here’s all the information you need to watch this week’s ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup.

MORE: Watch Panthers vs. Texans live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)

Panthers vs. Texans score

Panthers vs. Texans live updates, highlights from ‘Thursday Night Football’

(All times Eastern)

9:18: Jonathan Greenard takes Darnold down and Desmond King breaks up the pass to force third down and 15. 

9:16: A 42-yard punt and a 13-yard return allows Darnold to start at the Panthers 

9:12: Texans punt for the third time as they fail to gain any offensive momentum with under seven minutes remaining in the half. 

9:08: Christian McCaffery left the field with a hamstring injury, and will be benched for the remainder of the game.

9:04: Texans make a big stop to force a turnover on downs from their own five. 

9:01: DJ Moore totals 100 recieving yards on six completions with 12 minutes remaining in the half. 

First Quarter: Panthers 7, Texans 0

8:51: DJ Moore completes his eighth pass from Darnold for 13 yards to give the Panthers the first down at their own 28.

8:39: TOUCHDOWN PANTHERS. Sam Darnold keeps the ball and rushes into the endzone to tally his second rushing touchdown of the season. He effectively drove the Panthers down the field for 88 yards on 10 plays. Panthers start with an early lead 7-0. 

8:36: As Darnold was frantically running from the pocket, he found DJ Moore to complete for 29 yards. 

8:33: Sam Darnold keeps the ball on the carry to get the first down at the Houston 25.

8:28: Following a punt from the Panthers in their opening drive, Davis Mills takes the field at the Houston 36 for his first career NFL start. 

8:21: Texans won the toss and they choose to defer. Panthers take over at the 25. 

How to watch Panthers vs. Texans 

• Kickoff time: 8:20 p.m. ET/ 7:20 p.m. CT.
• TV channel (national): NFL Network
• Live stream: NFL Network, fuboTV

The Texans are expected to kick off their matchup with the Panthers at 8:20 p.m ET/7:20 p.m. CT. NFL Network’s coverage, produced by Fox, will feature Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink on the call. 

The Texans will host the Panthers at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. 

Thursday Night Football schedule 2021