Bill O'Brien sees improvement from quarterback Tom Savage

Making a bid for a backup role behind starter Brock Osweiler, Texans reserve quarterback Tom Savage has delivered throws with zip and accuracy.

Savage has had a strong opening week of training camp, including displaying a quick release.

"Very improved player," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said of Savage. He's put a lot of time in on the field and off the field. He's really worked hard to change his body, become stronger, become quicker, quicker release. He has a much better knowledge of our offense. It takes a while for that position. The only thing Tom needs is an opportunity. Tom is a good football player and he's put a lot of time in to get to where he is right now."

A strong-armed, 6-4, 228-pound former fourth-round pick from Pittsburgh, Savage played in two games as a rookie and completed 10 of 19 passes for 127 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.

Savage passed for 5,690 yards, 37 touchdowns and 19 interceptions in college while playing for Rutgers, Arizona and Pitt.

"Just getting the ball out quicker," Savage said. "That's big in the preseason. You have to get the ball out of your hands and be consistent.

Tom Savage has had a strong opening week of training camp, including displaying a quick release. Tom Savage has had a strong opening week of training camp, including displaying a quick release. Photo: Thomas B. Shea, Houston Chronicle Photo: Thomas B. Shea, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 56 Caption Close Bill O'Brien sees improvement from quarterback Tom Savage 1 / 56 Back to Gallery

"I'm competing every day. I'll never sit there and say I'm competing to be the backup. I'm going to be competing every day and prep like I'm the starter every week."