Watson won’t start Texans’ Preseason opener at Carolina

WHITE SULPHER SPRINGS, W.V. (WOLO) – When Deshaun Watson suits up for his first profession football game, he’ll be doing something for the first time since his freshman season back at Clemson: sitting on the sidelines to start the game.

Houston announced Monday that veteran Tom Savage will start the Texans preseason opener Wednesday night in Charlotte while their first-round pick Watson comes off the bench.

Deshaun last played in game action when he led the Tigers to a come-from-behind last second victory over Alabama in the College Football Playoff Title Game 35-31 back on January 9.

The Texans moved up in April’s NFL Draft to select Watson, the third quarterback taken off the board in his class. They dealt their 2017 and 2018 first round picks to Cleveland, going from the 25th selection to the 12th.

Savage is a former fourth rounder (135th overall) taken by Houston in 2014. While he’s entering his fourth year with the franchise, the former Rutgers and Pittsburgh QB has made just two starts and five appearances with the Texans, throwing for 588 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.