Backup Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is getting the nod to start against the Houston Texans Thursday night for the injured Andrew Luck.
ESPN reported that a league source has confirmed that the 40-year-old backup will go for the second straight week while Luck is out with a shoulder injury.
It is somewhat of a surprise that Hasselbeck is starting over Josh Johnson, who re-signed with the team this week, because Hasselbeck is not 100 percent himself. In fact, he was in the hospital a few days ago for a virus and has been limited in practice.
NFL Network noted that he was feeling a little better, but still sick.
He did have success when he started last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars and led the team to 16–13 overtime win after going 30-for-47 with 282 yards and one touchdown.
For Luck, the season hasn’t exactly been going smoothly. Prior to his injury, the former No. 1 pick has thrown for a league-high seven interceptions in three games.
Sick or not, it's Hasselbeck's job to take the field tonight and try to pull off a victory at NRG Stadium.