Texans Starting QB Brock Osweiler Against Raiders

The Houston Texans announced Tuesday that QB Brock Osweiler will start the team’s Wildcard playoff game matchup against the Raiders.

Texans QB Tom Savage sustained a concussion during Week 17’s game against the Titans after starting the previous two weeks and is considered week-to-week with his injury.

Beyond that, Texans HC Bill O’Brien admitted after Week 17 that Osweiler played well enough after replacing Savage to gain starting consideration regardless of Savage’s health, so this does not come as a large surprise.

Additionally, Jason Cole of B/R reported in recent weeks that Osweiler is likely to get another shot at starting for the Texans in 2017 simply because of the $37 million Houston guaranteed of his contract upon signing him as a free agent.

Osweiler, 26, is a former second-round pick of the Broncos back in 2012. He played out his rookie contract before signing a four-year, $72 million contract that includes $37 million guaranteed with the Texans back in March.

The Texans will owe Osweiler base salaries of $16 million, $18 million and $13 million over the remainder of the agreement.

In 2016, Osweiler had thrown for 2,957 yards while completing 59 percent of his passes to go along with 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions over the course of 15 games. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 34 quarterback out of 36 qualifying players.