Zabransky makes case against Bucs
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5097585.html
TAMPA  Jared Zabransky was finally given enough time to show a glimpse of why he could be special in the NFL. But there is no telling when he will get another opportunity.
The rookie out of Boise State played three quarters in the 31-24 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in the final preseason game Thursday.
With little help from the players around him, Zabransky completed 12 of 22 passes for 117 yards and threw one interception.
"I see a tough-minded kid," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. "His first play in the (game), he throws an interception, but he comes back and battles all night. He gave us a chance to make some plays. We didn't protect him very good early. But that's the NFL.
"I think the kid has shown he can play this game, and there's a lot he has to learn. But he definitely did some things tonight that warrant us taking a second look at him."
Texans cut Zabransky; he hopes to make practice squad
http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/story/147563.html
The Houston Texans let Jared Zabransky know they wanted him to be a part of their organization.
Then, they cut him. (I think The Texans only dress 2 QBs)
It's all part of Zabransky's welcome-to-the-NFL education.
Houston told Zabransky it would re-sign him to its practice squad on Sunday if no other team claims him on waivers.
"The way the business works, I guess. It's real cutthroat and you've got to be prepared for it," said Zabransky, who signed as an undrafted free agent after three seasons as Boise State's starting quarterback.
Zabransky played three quarters in the Texans' final preseason game Thursday night, completing 12-of-22 passes for 117 yards and one interception. He also rushed for 17 yards on two carries.
"I felt like I played good. I threw the ball well a lot of the time. I made some plays a lot of guys can't make with my feet," Zabransky told the Idaho Statesman on Friday afternoon. "I proved I could do some really good things in this league."
His release was not unexpected as NFL teams have until this afternoon to cut their rosters to 53 players. Houston released 20 players Friday.
Now Zabransky, who is closing on a house in the Houston area next week, must wait. Another team could claim him off waivers. Zabransky would prefer to remain in Houston.
"Being here is a good situation for me," he said. "I would like to be here. The coaches want me to be here. Whatever happens is what's meant to happen."
If Zabransky were signed to a practice squad, he would make $5,000 per week. The league minimum for an active roster spot is around $290,000 per year. If another team claims Zabransky, it would have to place him on the 53-man active roster and pay the quarterback the league minimum.
"If you've got a chance to make the league minimum, you've got to take it," Zabransky said.
A bigger concern, for now, is developing better mechanics for the NFL game, including footwork and moving defenders with his eyes and body to open up passing lanes.
"The NFL is a different game and windows close a lot faster and a lot of stuff is predicated on what your footwork is," he said.
Zabransky said his interception  on his first pass of the game and intended for former Boise State tight end Jeb Putzier  came on a similar play to his first interception against Georgia in 2005. Rolling out on a bootleg, he threw the ball late and behind Putzier.
But he rebounded and played well, leading the Texans on a game-tying touchdown drive in the third quarter.
"He definitely showed us some things (Thursday) that warrant us taking a second look at him," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said.
Houston will carry starter Matt Schaub and backup Sage Rosenfels on its active roster, and is likely to get that second look at Zabransky on the practice squad. Houston cut two other quarterbacks  Bradlee Van Pelt and Quinton Porter  last week.
"I kind of knew from the reps and from the way things were going, what the situation was," Zabransky said. "You never want to see a guy get cut, but it's your livelihood, too. You've got to put food on the table. It's good to know I'm the No. 3 and that they really wanted me to be here."
