For the first time as a professional, there's a very good chance Tom Savage will be active for a regular season game. Head coach Bill O'Brien said the rookie signal caller will most likely back up starter Ryan Fitzpatrick on Sunday against the Titans.
"I would be leaning toward Savage being number two right now," O'Brien said on Thursday. "He's improved a lot. He's really throwing the football well."
The Texans signed Thaddeus Lewis on Wednesday. The fourth-year veteran started five games in 2013 with the Bills. But O'Brien said "it would be very difficult" to ask Lewis to fill in immediately as a backup. The head coach said he'll probably make the decision on a backup before the game on Sunday. If it is indeed Savage, the rookie said he'll be prepared.
"It's a good feeling that things are paying off," Savage said. "But I can't focus on that kind of stuff. I just have to focus on being ready."
Savage was a fourth-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, and played in 2013 at Pittsburgh. He's been inactive through the first 11 games of 2014, as Fitzpatrick started the first nine and Ryan Mallett the past two. That he'll likely be active this Sunday against Tennessee will be a new experience for Savage.
"I'll be dressed," Savage joked. "I won't be out there wamring up Mallett all game. It's kind of what you dream for."
Savage and the Texans will practice again on Friday. Kickoff against the Titans is Sunday at noon CT inside NRG Stadium.
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