Raiders send out short-order Cook

HOUSTON — Two weeks ago, the Raiders were heading for the playoffs with MVP candidate Derek Carr at quarterback.

Now they’re down to rookie third-string quarterback Connor Cook as they prepare for their first postseason game since the 2002 season with a wild-card matchup against the Texans on Saturday.

Cook was named the starter this week after Carr broke his leg on Dec. 24 and backup Matt McGloin injured his shoulder on Sunday. Cook, who made his NFL debut last week, will be the first quarterback in NFL history to make his first start in a playoff game.

But the Raiders (12-4) aren’t feeling sorry for themselves.

“You do the best you can regardless of the circumstances,” Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said. “To me it’s a great opportunity. You have these great opportunities in life to be at your best, and you get these great challenges.

“So, how do you respond? What we want to do is respond like men and go in there full of energy and belief and fight our [tails] off.”

Cook was a fourth-round pick after a four-year career at Michigan State where he threw for 9,194 yards with 71 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.

The Texans (9-7) also had a quarterback shakeup this week and Brock Osweiler returns to the starting lineup after being benched two weeks ago.

Tom Savage started Houston’s last two regularseason games, but is out this week after suffering a concussion Sunday.

Osweiler is looking to redeem himself and help Houston to its first playoff win since the 2012 season after failing to live up to expectations in his first season after signing a $72 million contract.

Under his guidance Houston’s passing game has been one of the worst in the league and he’s thrown more interceptions (16) than touchdowns (15).

The Raiders said Friday that left tackle Donald Penn would be inactive for Houston after injuring his left knee in the regular-season finale against Denver.