Among the qualities Texans reserve quarterback Tom Savage has displayed at training camp is a quick release.

Savage has identified his reads in rapid fashion by scanning the field and made decisive, accurate throws with zip through three practices.

Savage continues to make improvements, upgrading his skills since being drafted in the fourth round two years ago out of Pitt and spending all of last season on injured reserve with a sprained shoulder.

"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."

A strong-armed, 6-4, 228-pound third-year pro, 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.

Healthy again, the Texans quarterback is competing with Brandon Weeden for backup duties behind new starter Brock Osweiler.

"I'm competing every day," Savage said. "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.