Is the Tom Savage era with the Houston Texans already over? Maybe not, but the National Football League franchise is already prepping TJ Yates in a way that suggests he might get a chance to start this season.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Texans coach Bill O’Brien said Yates was getting six or eight snaps a day with the starters. To be clear, that is the normal number a backup usually receives, but this isn't stopping TJ Yates from getting all jazzed up about it.

“Pretty comfortable {being back},” Yates said. “He’s {O'Briend} been gracious enough to give me some reps to get me back in a rhythm and get me back into it. Scout teams reps are one thing. Getting reps with our guys, it’s been good to get back into it.”

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Three mystery players in the middle, Anthony Richardson and DeForest Buckner around them, Indianapolis skyline in the background
3 Indianapolis Colts hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowEnzo Flojo ·
Three mystery players in the middle, Caleb Williams and DJ Moore around them, Chicago skyline in the background
3 Chicago Bears hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowEnzo Flojo ·
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.
DeAndre Hopkins shows Ravens something new in his game at OTAsMatty Breisch ·
; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
The crucial upside that comes with George Pickens-Cowboys pairingAlex House ·
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis (90) runs a drill during OTAs at NovaCare Complex.
Eagles’ Jordan Davis reveals secret behind incredible 2025 transformationMatty Breisch ·
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) walks onto the field during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
Micah Parsons makes announcement amid contract uncertaintyZachary Draves ·

As for what this means for the relationship between Savage and Yates?

“I’ve known Tom a very long time,” Yates said. “When I came in last time, he was the guy who knew the offense and helped get me up to speed. Now, he’s kind of helping me again. He knows this offense inside and out. He’s a good guy to lean on with questions and a good guy to bounce ideas off of. We have a really good relationship. It’s a very open dialogue in there. We have a good culture in the room.”

Not that any of this actually matters. Everyone is just hoping Deshaun Watson returns next season fully healthy. These guys, all of them, are just stopgaps.