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Former Pitt quarterback Tom Savage has been the Houston Texans' third-string quarterback this season. He could be due for a promotion, though, to the No. 2 spot.
Texans' starter under center, Ryan Mallett, suffered a torn pectoral muscle and is out for the remainder of the year. That forced the team to move up Ryan Fitzpatrick to the starting spot, after he was benched earlier in the season. Because of Mallett's injury, Savage could become the backup.
As I wrote before, when the Texans acquired Mallett, it was a move that could have set Savage further down the depth chart. That's what happened as Houston started Fitzpatrick, and then Mallett.
As a precautionary measure, Houston brought in free agent Thad Lewis. Lewis has played sparingly in two seasons. As of Friday, Texans' coach Bill O'Brien hadn't yet decided who will back up Fitzpatrick, but the job could be Savage's to win.
Savage hasn't attempted a pass this season, but played reasonably well in the preseason, despite some inconsistencies. And given that the team invested a draft pick in him this year, they could be more willing to let him prove he belongs on the roster if Fitzpatrick needs some relief.
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