In this Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, photo, Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook passes against the Denver Broncos in the first half of an NFL football game in Denver. While the Oakland Raiders are giving no official word who will start at quarterback for their first playoff game in 14 years, the players are ready to go into the postseason behind rookie Cook. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
In this Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, photo, Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook passes against the Denver Broncos in the first half of an NFL football game in Denver. While the Oakland Raiders are giving no official word who will start at quarterback for their first playoff game in 14 years, the players are ready to go into the postseason behind rookie Cook. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Alameda, Calif.— The Oakland Raiders are going with rookie Connor Cook at quarterback in their wild-card game against the Texans.

Oakland coach Jack Del Rio announced the decision in a conference call with reporters in Houston on Wednesday.

Cook gets the nod with Pro Bowler Derek Carr out with a broken leg and backup Matt McGloin nursing a shoulder injury that could make it tough for him to practice enough before Saturday’s game at Houston. Cook will be the first quarterback ever to make his first career start in the postseason.

Despite appearing in just one game as a rookie, the Raiders (12-4) say Cook showed some “swagger” when he replaced McGloin in the second quarter on Sunday in Denver, and has their confidence heading into the game against the Texans (9-7) because of what they’ve seen all year.

Del Rio said they hope that McGloin will be healthy enough by Saturday to be Cook’s backup, but that he was still “pretty sore” on Wednesday.

Cook was a fourth-round pick this year after a four-year career at Michigan State where he threw for 9,194 yards with 71 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.

Dolphins’ Tannehill Sits

Davie, Fla. — Quarterback Ryan Tannehill sat out the Miami Dolphins’ practice on Wednesday, making it unlikely he’ll return from a left knee injury for the team’s playoff game on Sunday at Pittsburgh.

Tannehill has missed the past three games. Ten-year veteran Matt Moore, who is 2-1 as Tannehill’s replacement, is expected to make his first career postseason start. Coach Adam Gase said it would be difficult to start Tannehill this week if he doesn’t practice.

Patriots’ Slater Wins Starr Award

Foxborough, Mass. — New England Patriots special teams captain Matt Slater was named recipient of the 2017 Bart Starr Award, given to the NFL player who best exemplifies character and leadership on and off the field.

Slater joins his father, Hall of Fame offensive lineman Jackie Slater, who won the award in 1996. They are the first father and son to be chosen for the honor. Players vote on the award.

Slater was on hand when his father received the award and said to receive it himself is “humbling.”

Slater, who helped lead the Patriots to the 2014 Super Bowl title, volunteers through the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and various children’s ministries.

The six-time Pro Bowler will be honored Feb. 4 during the 30th annual Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast in Houston.

Theismann Slams 49ers For Kaepernick Award

New York — Former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann isn’t happy with the San Francisco 49ers’ decision to give Colin Kaepernick an award for “inspirational and courageous” player.

Kaepernick sparked a national debate by kneeling during the national anthem before games as a way of protesting racial injustice and police brutality.

Kaepernick received the Len Eshmont Award last week. The prize is described as the team’s most prestigious honor; its recipient is decided by players.

Theismann noted the team’s 2-14 record during an appearance on Fox News on Tuesday and questioned what Kaepernick has inspired.

He said, “Everybody has the right to express their opinion, but not in the workplace.”

Theismann called on the NFL to adopt a policy requiring players to stand for the anthem.