Matt McGloin won't start, but he should be available versus the Houston Texans if another injury strikes the Oakland Raiders quarterback position.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday morning that McGloin is expected to be the backup in the afternoon for the Raiders. The quarterback was listed as questionable with a left shoulder injury. McGloin was limited in practice all week.
Connor Cook makes the first start of his career Saturday. Cook will be the third QB in the last 25 years to start a playoff game without starting that regular season, per NFL Research. The past two: Joe Webb in 2012, Frank Reich in 1992.
The sample size is microscopic, but in their limited stints in Week 17 versus Denver (McGloin four drives, Cook nine drives), the rookie outplayed the career backup. At times Cook looked like a fourth-round rookie who didn't get many practice reps during the season, but he offers better physical tools and a bigger arm than McGloin.
The Raiders signed Garrett Gilbert to the practice squad this in case McGloin couldn't be a backup Saturday. A limited, injured McGloin offers a better chance for success in an emergency situation than a career practice squad player like Gilbert.
