Tom Savage is not the answer, so where do the Houston Texans—a possible playoff team—turn now that it’s been confirmed that Deshaun Watson will miss the remainder of this season with a torn ACL?
The No. 12 overall pick in the NFL draft, Watson is tied for the NFL lead in touchdown passes (19) with 1,699 yards over six games, helping the Texans lead the NFL in scoring with 30.7 points per game.
Watson suffered the injury on the same day that he was named the AFC’s Offensive Player of the Month, the first time that a rookie quarterback had ever been given that honor.
The painful question now, is where do the Texans turn to from here?
Savage will start on Sunday against a terrible Colts defense, giving Houston some hope for a week, while they search for a viable replacement to help keep playoff hopes alive.
Of course, an obvious name to pop up will be Colin Kaepernick’s, as he’s the best available option left on the open market. The question is will Texans brass, namely Bob McNair, even consider such a move, especially in light of the owner's “inmates run the prison” comments.
Savage is the only other quarterback on the active roster, and Houston needs help badly. Here are five options the Texans will or should consider for the near future.
1. Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick should be the first phone call, as he’s a mobile quarterback just like Watson, and maybe fitting into the offensive wouldn’t be a huge transition for the former 49ers star.
2. Tony Romo
He’ll likely be the first call, as rumors circulated all offseason that the Texans were definitely an option after the Cowboys parted ways. Romo is loyal to the Cowboys through and through, but would he consider it, especially with a talented defense and electric wideouts to throw to?
3. Robert Griffin III
Griffin went a social media rant recently proclaiming that he can still play. Griffin actually flashed similar potential to Watson in his early days with the Redskins, but we know how that turned out.
4. T.J. Yates
Yates spent four seasons in Houston, and will get a call because he knows the offense.
5. Matt McGloin
The former Raiders starter, McGloin got a workout this week with the Colts and played quarterback at Penn State when Bill O’Brien was the coach. As we went to press, McGloin is likely the man to get the deal (UPDATE: He did).
To back up new #Texans starter Tom Savage, the team is signing Matt McGloin, source said. He played for Bill O’Brien at Penn St.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2017
