Raiders expected to start QB Cook vs. Texans


Jan 1, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) drops back to pass against Denver Broncos inside linebacker Corey Nelson (52) as offensive guard Kelechi Osemele (70) defends in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) drops back to pass against Denver Broncos inside linebacker Corey Nelson (52) as offensive guard Kelechi Osemele (70) defends in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

All eyes will be on Oakland Raiders rookie quarterback Connor Cook in Saturday’s playoff matchup with the Houston Texans.

The Raiders are “going forward with the expectation” that Cook will be the starter, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Backup Matt McGloin, who suffered a trapezius injury in last Sunday’s regular season finale against the Denver Broncos, is “not believed to be ready” per Rapoport.

Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr broke his right leg during the Christmas Eve game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Cook is slated to become the first rookie quarterback to start a playoff game in the Super Bowl era.

The fourth-round pick (100th overall) in last year’s draft out of Michigan State completed 14 of 21 passes for 150 yards, one touchdown and an interception in the 24-6 loss to the Broncos.