Tom Savage has the unenviable task of stepping in for an injured Deshaun Watson, and the Houston Texans quarterback isn’t hiding their differences.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Savage said he was “heartbroken” about Watson’s injury and passed along some praise about the rookie signal-caller.
“I’m just going to state the obvious: there’s thing he can do that i can’t do. … I said to him, ‘No one can replace you.”
Watson, who was on pace to shatter team records and NFL rookie mark, is lost for the season due to a torn ACL in his right knee. In six starts, he amassed 1,597 yards and 18 touchdowns through the air while rushing for 253 yards and two scores.
Savage can’t replace that. He’s simply the next man up.
The 27-year-old started Houston’s season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but head coach Bill O’Brien pulled Savage after he mustered a 7-of-13 line for 62 yards and took six sacks. The Texans lost that matchup 29-7, but it ushered in the Watson era.
Only an injury could take Watson off the field. And most unfortunately, the ACL tear did exactly that for the remainder of 2017.
Although Savage has attempted 105 passes in his four-year career, he’s still looking for touchdown No. 1. Houston is hoping it arrives Sunday opposite the Indianapolis Colts, who have surrendered the second-most passing yards per game in the league.
Watson’s absence is hugely deflating. Savage can’t be that electric. But maybe he can help the Texans limp to an AFC South crown.