Report: Raiders optimistic McGloin can back up Cook vs. Texans

The Oakland Raiders are optimistic that quarterback Matt McGloin, who suffered a left shoulder injury in Week 17, will be healthy enough to back up Connor Cook in Saturday's wild-card matchup against the Houston Texans, reports ESPN's Adam Caplan.

With Derek Carr out with a broken fibula and McGloin at less than 100 percent, the rookie Cook will be forced into the lineup, the first start of his NFL career.

While having a backup who isn't completely healthy is far from ideal, it's preferable to a veteran pivot who has no experience in the Raiders' system.

Oakland signed free-agent quarterback Garrett Gilbert during the week to provide that insurance, but with McGloin cleared to play, it's likely he'll be inactive.