Kubiak says a healthy Schaub to back-up Keenum vs Colts on Sunday

[nunusguy]

Case Keenum will start at quarterback for the Texans on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts at Reliant Stadium.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Matt Schaub, who is healthy, will back up Keenum.

Kubiak made it clear the former University of Houston standout is not the team’s long-term starter and the state of the quarterback position will be re-evaluated as the season unfolds.

The 2-5 Texans, who many had pegged as preseason Super Bowl contenders, have lost five straight heading into the nationally televised Sunday night game against the Colts, who are led by Stratford product Andrew Luck at quarterback.

Schaub started the first six games of the season and struggled mightily. He threw an interception returned for a touchdown in an NFL-record four straight games.

He suffered a foot injury in a blowout loss to the Rams.

Keenum, who started the season on the practice squad, made his professional debut in a 17-16 loss to the Chiefs.

Keenum finished 15-of-25 for 271 yards and a touchdown. His quarterback rating of 110.6 was higher than any of Schaub’s from this season.

“I’m excited for him,” running back Ben Tate said of Keenum. “He’s a natural-born leader.”

Also, Tate, who suffered broken ribs in the loss to the Chiefs, believes he will play against the Colts.

http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans...ts/?cmpid=hpfc

[WMH]

Kudos for Kubiak for stating it in this manner, especially after I read this:

‏@RapSheet Sources: #Texans QB Matt Schaub has torn ankle ligaments that he’ll be attempting to play through. He may not be “right” all season.

He could have easily played the injury card, and didn't.

Case will be at the helm until he starts sucking. Hopefully, that won't be till the end of February.....

[chuck]

Schaub is hurt. He's probably been hurt for quite some time. I don't understand why the Chronicle pretends that he's healthy and I also don't understand why it would be bad for Kubiak to say, Look, Schaub's not 100% but even if he were we'd go with Case this week because of what we saw in Kansas City.

[popanot]

They should just IR Schaub and be done with the questions and speculation. Why even carry him on the roster at this point? Does Kubiak actually believe going back to him at some point - even if he were healthy - is the right thing to do? Even if the Texans start clawing their way back into the playoff hunt? That's what I'm starting to think...

My gosh I wish Kubiak and/or Smith would just have the nads to call this for what it is and make the appropriate move and be done with it.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by popanot

They should just IR Schaub and be done with the questions and speculation. Why even carry him on the roster at this point? Does Kubiak actually believe going back to him at some point - even if he were healthy - is the right thing to do? Even if the Texans start clawing their way back into the playoff hunt? That's what I'm starting to think...

My gosh I wish Kubiak and/or Smith would just have the nads to call this for what it is and make the appropriate move and be done with it.

Kubiak is coaching for his job and Keenum is tiny by NFL standards. Why would Kubiak not keep Schaub as an option in case Case is hurt? It's not like Schaub is the type of guy to cause trouble for Keenum and they want him away from the team.

[HPF Bob]

I'm fine with this. I think Keenum showed enough to prove he could work out for the rest of the season but they want to see more before they make that official. Case was okay but not special so they want another test drive.