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Texans officially rule out Deshaun Watson for Week 1

The standoff around Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans will officially extend into the 2021-22 season.

The Texans ruled their Pro Bowl quarterback out for Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a "Not Injury Related" designation. Watson remains on the Texans' 53-man active roster, but will not be among the 48 players suiting up on Sunday.

The move was expected after head coach David Culley named free agent acquisition Tyrod Taylor as the Texans' starting quarterback, but it still represents another step taken in Watson's very public exit from Houston.

Where Deshaun Watson and the Texans stand

Watson's status has been in limbo since he requested a trade in January, but the situation entered another territory after more than 20 women accused him of sexual assault during the spring. Watson now faces civil suits from the women, as well as a potential criminal investigation and potential discipline from the NFL.

All of that hanging over Watson's head hasn't stopped the Texans from trying to trade him, it's just caused no team to meet the Texans' reportedly exorbitant asking price for the tarnished star.

Houston likely continues to hope some team — perhaps the Miami Dolphins — grows desperate enough for an established talent at the game's most important position to meet its price, but that hasn't happened so far. A resolution to Watson's legal troubles could also help open the window, but there's no telling how long that will take.

So Watson and the Texans will take this whole staring contest into the regular season. If the Texans officially rule Watson inactive for all 17 games this season, they'll be paying him $10 million to not play football.