http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-place-Tom-Savage-on-injured-reserve-12452477.php
Texans place Tom Savage on injured reserve
Published 3:23 pm, Saturday, December 23, 2017
Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) lies on the turf after getting sacked and suffering a concussion during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )
lessHouston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) lies on the turf after getting sacked and suffering a concussion during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in Houston. (
... moreHouston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) gets up off the turf after getting sacked and suffering a concussion during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )
lessHouston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) gets up off the turf after getting sacked and suffering a concussion during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in
... moreThe Texans made it official Saturday, placing quarterback Tom Savage on injured reserve in the wake of a major concussion he suffered against the San Francisco 49ers on a hit from outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil.
A joint NFL-NFL Players Association investigation remains ongoing into whether the Texans and medical personnel and spotters properly handled the NFL concussion protocol when Savage was allowed to go back into the game briefly before being rechecked and then ruled out for the remainder of the game.
A former fourth-round draft pick from Pitt, Savage is a pending unrestricted free agent who remains under the NFL concussion protocol weeks after a scary head injury that left him lying on the ground with his arms and hands twitching.
Savage started a career-high seven games this season, completing 58.1 percent of his throws for 1,412 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions for a 71.4 passer rating.
The Texans replaced Savage at halftime of the season opener with rookie Deshaun Watson, who excelled until he tore his anterior cruciate ligament.
Savage had his moments this season and figures to have a solid future as, at least, a reliable backup and spot starter.
Houston Chronicle sports writer John McClain looks at the cry for the heads of the Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien and general manager Rick Smith after the Texans season has had a massive downturn with all of the injuries across both Offense and Defense.
Media: R. Carter, Houston ChronicleSavage passed for a career-high 365 yards in a loss to the Tennessee Titans.
The biggest problem Savage had this season other than his health was a tendency to fumble behind a suspect offensive line. He lost seven fumbles this season.
The Texans promoted former Virginia Tech tight end Ryan Malleck from the practice squad to the active roster to take over Savage's spot.
