Monday’s football: Texans sticking with Savage

Houston — The Texans are sticking with Tom Savage at quarterback on Sunday against the Titans.

Savage made his first career start in place of Brock Osweiler on Saturday night in a 12-10 win over the Bengals that allowed the Texans to clinch the AFC South.

Osweiler was benched in the second quarter two weeks ago against Jacksonville and Savage took over to help the Texans rally for a 21-20 victory.

Coach Bill O’Brien said early last week that Osweiler would remain on the bench, but wouldn’t say then if Savage would start the rest of the season.

On Monday O’Brien said that Savage would start in the regular-season finale against Tennessee, but didn’t say anything about Houston’s playoff game.

Savage struggled in the first half against the Bengals, but picked it up in the second half to finish with 176 yards passing and help the Texans to the victory.

“He got into a rhythm in the second half and he was much better,” O’Brien said. “I think everybody could see that. What did we learn from that? I don’t know, we’re still talking about that right now.”

Savage has not had a turnover in his two appearances this season after Osweiler threw 16 interceptions with just 14 touchdowns before he was benched.

“He’s done a good job of taking care of the ball … that’s the big thing. We have to continue to have 100 percent ball security,” O’Brien said. “That’s going to be the key going forward. Especially in this time of year and in the playoffs … you’re not going to win if you turn the ball over.”

Personnel dept.

Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota will have surgery Wednesday for his broken right leg, and coach Mike Mularkey said the recovery process will take four to five months.

This is the second straight season Mariota has missed the season finale because of an injury.

... Jets coach Todd Bowles was scheduled to meet with his doctors Monday after being hospitalized late last week and missing the team flight for Saturday’s 41-3 loss to New England.

Bowles, 53, told reporters after the game the problem was “kidney stones, gall stones, gall bladder” and that he wasn’t certain he would be able to make the game at all.

... The Jets placed quarterback Bryce Petty (shoulder) on injured reserve, ending the second-year pro’s short stint as the starter, and claimed outside linebacker Corey Lemonier off waivers from the Lions.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to start in Petty’s place.

... 49ers running back Carlos Hyde will miss the season finale with a torn MCL in his left knee.

... The Bengals have placed tight end Tyler Eifert (back) and guard Clint Boling (shoulder) on injured reserve.

... Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett underwent surgery early Monday morning after breaking the tibia and fibula in his lower right leg against the Cardinals.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Lockett has a chance to be up and moving in four to six weeks. Carroll added running back Thomas Rawls’ status for the regular-season finale at San Francisco is uncertain after he suffered a bruised shoulder.