Brian Hoyer will be the starting quarterback next Sunday at Jacksonville.
The veteran replaced Ryan Mallett in the second quarter of Thursday night's loss to Indianapolis. He tossed a pair of touchdowns, and led the Texans on two other drives that resulted in field goals.
"I think over the last two games he's gone in there with a really good attitude, with a calmness about him, with really good mechanics," head coach Bill O'Brien said.
Hoyer finished with 312 yards on 24-of-31 passing. His last pass was picked off late in the game, in Colts territory.
"Has he been perfect?" O'Brien said. "No, but I think that yesterday he passed for 312, had a 112 rating, like I said he was 16-of-18 in the second, had the interception that was not good on third-and-2, didn't give us a chance to have that last play, but I think overall he's played pretty well."
Mallett completed 7-of-10 passes for 50 yards, and was picked off on the final play of the opening possession.
"Ryan is a competitor," O'Brien said. "He wants to play, but again, we've got to do what's best for the team. That's what we think is best for the team right now."
Hoyer, Mallett and the Texans have Saturday and Sunday off, will practice on Monday, have Tuesday off, and then have a regular practice schedule Wednesday through Friday.
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The Texans hosted the Colts on Thursday Night Football.
Houston Texans' J.J. Watt (99) waits in the tunnel to take the field for the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/George Bridges)
Houston Texans' J.J. Watt (99) talks with his teammates before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)
Houston Texans' Ryan Mallett (15) throws against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/George Bridges)
Indianapolis Colts' Zurlon Tipton (37) is upended by Houston Texans' Darryl Morris (21) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans' Arian Foster (23) is stopped by Indianapolis Colts' Jonathan Newsome (91) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)
Houston Texans' Brian Hoyer (7) throws against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)
Houston Texans' Jaelen Strong (11) celebrates during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/George Bridges)
Houston Texans' Arian Foster (23) runs against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/George Bridges)
Houston Texans' Brian Hoyer (7) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts after he replaced injured teammate Ryan Mallett during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/George Bridges)
Houston Texans' Brian Hoyer (7) callas a play after he replaced injured teammate Ryan Mallett during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/George Bridges)
Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans' Brian Hoyer (7) and Jaelen Strong (11) celebrates after they connected on a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans' Arian Foster (23) tries to escape Indianapolis Colts defenders Trent Cole (58) and D'Qwell Jackson (52) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)
Houston Texans' Jadeveon Clowney (90) celebrates with teammates after making a stop against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)
