Raiders Have to Turn to Rookie Cook to Make First Career Start
Two big QB developments occurred Wednesday.
First, rookie quarterback Connor Cook will make his first NFL start for the Oakland Raiders in Saturday’s AFC wild-card playoff game at Houston.
Second, it doesn’t look as though Miami’s Ryan Tannehill will return Sunday at Pittsburgh.
Cook was the seventh passer drafted last April, 100th overall in the fourth round. He was the winningest quarterback in Michigan State history. Clutch performances in big games dot Cook’s college resume.
He replaces Matt McGloin, who injured a shoulder last Sunday in his first attempted full game subbing for third-year starter Derek Carr, who fractured a leg on Christmas Eve against Indianapolis.
Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio confirmed the Cook news Wednesday on a conference call with Texans beat writers.
“We trust him to go out there and lead us,” Del Rio said.