Texans’ Brian Hoyer clears concussion protocol, will start vs. Jaguars
Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer has cleared concussion protocol and will start in Week 17 against the Jaguars, the team announced Wednesday.
The Texans are 8–7 and can clinch the AFC South with a win on Sunday. Hoyer was injured Dec. 13 against New England and has missed the last two games, with Brandon Weeden leading Houston to consecutive wins over Indianapolis and Tennessee in his stead.
Hoyer practiced in full on Wednesday. In eight starts this season, he has thrown 18 touchdowns and six interceptions
“Today I thought [Hoyer] looked really sharp,” O'Brien said after practice. “It all depends on how it looks on Sunday obviously, but I think he’s looked good, he’s got good command of our offense and what we’re doing, and the ball seems like it’s coming out of his hand really well.”
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“I mean, playing in a game and practicing are two different things, so definitely want to get back out there,” Hoyer said. “For me, it was all about getting cleared by the doctors. Like I said, I feel good so regardless of the situation I wanted to play this week. I think we handled it the right way. I feel good about it, the doctors, the medical staff, they all feel good about it, so now it’s just time to go out and play.”
Hoyer, who has sustained five concussions in his seven-year career, went to great lengths to accelerate his recovery, including the purchase of a hyperbaric chamber.
- Jeremy Woo
