Reports: Raiders to start rookie QB Cook
The Raiders have given no official word who will start at quarterback for the franchise’s first playoff game in 14 years, but numerous reports out of the Bay Area, citing sources, say it will be rookie Connor Cook.
With Pro Bowler Derek Carr out with a broken leg and backup Matt McGloin nursing a shoulder injury that could make it tough for him to practice enough before Saturday’s game at the Texans, Cook would become the first quarterback ever to make his first career start in the postseason.
Cook showed some positive signs when he replaced McGloin in Sunday’s 24-6 loss at Denver that cost the Raiders a chance at the division title and a first-round bye. Cook moved the offense much more effectively than McGloin did with just 21 yards passing on 11 attempts. TEXANS: Brock Osweiler will start at quarter- back in the wild-card game against the Raiders.
Coach Bill O’Brien announced the decision on Tuesday. Tom Savage, who had started the past two games, still was recovering from a concussion he suffered Sunday.
Osweiler started the first 14 games this season before being benched on Dec. 18 against Jacksonville after throwing interceptions on consecutive drives in the second quarter.
Savage remains in the concussion protocol and O’Brien said if he is cleared he will be the backup on Saturday. If not, Brandon Weeden, who hasn’t played since last season, will back up Osweiler.
Veteran Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork, 35, said he is considering retirement after this season.
Wilfork, in his 13th NFL season, is in his second year with the Texans after spending his first 11 years with the Patriots, with whom he won two Super Bowls. SEAHAWKS: According to FOX Sports, Seattle will sign 34-year-old All-Pro Devin Hester to handle kick and punt returns during the postseason. Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks’ primary return man, broke the tibia and fibula in his right leg during a Week 16 game against the Cardinals.
Hester, the all-time leader in return touchdowns, was cut last month by the Ravens after seeing action in 12 games in his 11th NFL season. BRONCOS: A source told the Associated Press that general manager John Elway has been granted permission to interview three assistants currently in the playoffs for Denver’s head coaching position, vacant since Gary Kubiak stepped down Monday for health reasons.
The Broncos will interview Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub. BENGALS: Cornerback
Adam “Pacman” Jones was jailed Tuesday on charges he head-butted police and spit on a nurse after being arrested for disorderly conduct in his latest brush with the law. Authorities said he was so combative that he had to be placed in a restraint chair.
A lawyer representing Jones at his initial court appearance told a judge he “vehemently denies” the allegations against him. The Hamilton County judge set bond at $37,500 for Jones and ordered that he submit to a blood test.
Jones has had legal issues since making his NFL debut with Tennessee in 2005 after playing for West Virginia.