O’Brien mum on speculation about Kaepernick deposition
Texans coach Bill O’Brien was a man of few words Wednesday when asked about a report that he could be called for a deposition on former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s pending collusion grievance against the NFL.
When asked if he’d heard anything about possibly being a target for a deposition from Kaepernick’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, O’Brien replied: “No.”
When asked if he had any comment on the situation, O’Brien replied: “No.”
O’Brien was complimentary of Kaepernick this week while also noting that the former 49ers starter hasn’t played football in a while. A polarizing figure because of his protests about racial strife in the U.S., Kaepernick hasn’t been on a roster this year after passing for 16 touchdowns and four interceptions last season for the 49ers and hasn’t been on a roster this year. He tried out for the Seattle Seahawks but wasn’t signed.
The Texans have plugged in Tom Savage as their starter with rookie Deshaun Watson out for the season with a torn ACL. T.J. Yates was signed as the backup. The Texans also cut Matt McGloin and signed Josh Johnson.
Yates gets some first-team snaps
Second-team quarterback T.J. Yates is getting some of the snaps with the first-team offense.
Although Texans coach Bill O’Brien said it wasn’t abnormal for the backup to get some reps, this does raise a few eyebrows on whether there will be a quick hook for starter Tom Savage should he continue to struggle. O’Brien has a history of yanking his starter if he’s ineffective.
When asked if Savage will get all of the first-team reps this week, O’Brien replied: “Not necessarily. Tom’s gotten some reps, T.J. got reps. I’m not saying it was 50-50, but I’d tell you that T.J. got some good reps He got a decent amount. We’re just trying to get him back into the fold of running the offense and just gave him a decent amount of reps, not more than a normal No. 2.”
Watson’s surgery ‘went great’
Rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on Wednesday.
The procedure, performed by Texans team doctor Walter Lowe, was a success, according to coach Bill O’Brien.
Watson is expected to make a full recovery (eight to nine months) in time for next season.
“Doc Lowe said it was great,” O’Brien said. “Everything went great.”
Heath, Cole remain sidelined
Texans starting defensive end Joel Heath remains sidelined with a knee injury. He is also dealing with a quadriceps issue.
Rookie inside linebacker Dylan Cole is still out with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
Clements signed off practice squad
The Texans promoted defensive tackle Chunky Clements to the active roster from the practice squad. Clements went undrafted out of Illinois. He was previously with the Minnesota Vikings.