Texans’ Brian Hoyer clears concussion protocol, will start vs. Jaguars

Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer will start against the Jaguars in Week 17 after clearing the last phase of concussion protocol.

Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyerwill start against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17 after he cleared the league’s concussion protocol, head coach Bill O’Brien said Wednesday.

O’Brien said Monday that Hoyer would start if he passed a concussion test. 

Hoyer, 30, last played in a Dec. 13 loss to the New England Patriots. He was sacked five times in the game, including one hard hit in the fourth quarter by Akiem Hicks, in which Hoyer’s head hit the ground forcefully.

Since sustaining the concussion, Hoyer has missed starts against the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans.

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This season, Hoyer has passed for 2,357 yards and 18 touchdowns, while also tossing six interceptions. He has completed 60.5% of his passes in 2015. 

The Texans (8–7) will clinch the AFC South with a victory over the Jaguars (5–10) on Sunday.