Deshaun Watson is finished for 2017, so the Texans now turn to Tom Savage at quarterback.
The fourth-year pro started in Week 1 against Jacksonville, but ceded the job to Watson after the intermission of that loss. He takes over a squad that's rolled the last five games, as the Texans have averaged 39 points per in that span. Savage knows his skillset is different than the rookie's, but he wants to keep things moving along on offense.
"We're all playing well," Savage said on Friday. "Sometimes you can't do what Deshaun did, but I'm going to go out there and help this team win. That's ultimately the final goal here. I'm super confident about it and I just can't wait to go."
Savage will start against the Colts this Sunday at NRG Stadium, and according to head coach Bill O'Brien, he's coming off a strong week of preparation.
"He's had a really good stretch of practices here," O'Brien said. "He had a great practice today. He's a very accurate passer. He's got a very talented arm. He's got a good bunch of guys around him. He's improved from the last time he played."
The last time Savage played, he and the Texans struggled. Jacksonville sacked him six times in the first half, and kept the Texans off the scoreboard. But that Houston squad didn't have Will Fuller, who's caught seven touchdowns and is averaging 21.5 yards per catch since returning in Week 4. The Texans also only ran the ball with D'Onta Foreman once in that contest. A healthy Fuller and a more active Foreman, along with much-improved play along the offensive line will go a long way toward helping Savage and the offense.
"I've got a lot of confidence in Tom and everything that he brings to the table," Foreman said. "We've just got to keep going forward."
For Savage, the goals are simple.
"I just think it's take one play at a time," Savage said. "That's kind of what this whole deal's about, is just one play at a time and just keep going. Listen, there's going to be some bad plays, there's going to be some good plays, but you have to just kind of keep an even keel out there and really just do it for the guys."
Savage and the Texans practiced Friday and will host the Colts on Sunday at noon CT.
