Texans QB Savage to start final preseason game

The Texans plan to hold starter Brian Hoyer and backup Ryan Mallett out of Thursday night's preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys, giving second-year quarterback Tom Savage an extended opportunity to lead the Houston offense.

Per the Houston Chronicle, the Texans want to avoid exposing their top two quarterbacks to potential injuries, while also having a chance to evaluate Savage.

“Offensively, I want us to get into a rhythm.” O’Brien said. “I want Tom to have a good game. I want him to get into a rhythm, get us into the right play, throw the ball accurately.

“I need the line to block well obviously for him in the passing game and the receivers to get open, but also in the running game. I want us to get into a rhythm offensively, play very hard, which I know we will.”

A fourth-round pick out of Pitt last year, Savage completed 28-of-45 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns through Houston's first three preseason games.

The 25-year-old appeared in two games as a rookie last year, completing 10-of-19 passes for 127 yards with one interception.

(h/t Houston Chronicle)