Ryan Mallett is now the starting quarterback for the Texans.
Head coach Bill O'Brien made the announcement during a Wednesday press conference at NRG Stadium. Mallett takes over for Ryan Fitzpatrick, who started the first nine games of 2014 for the Texans.
"I just felt like in the best interest of the team," O'Brien said. "This is the decision I needed to make."
The Texans have a bye in Week 9, and will face the Browns in Cleveland on November 16. O'Brien told Mallett and Fitzpatrick about the switch this morning at 7 a.m.
QB Ryan Mallet's career in Houston, New England, as well as at Arkansas and Michigan, is captured here in photos.
Mallett said he was excited about the opportunity and described what he'll do with the opportunity.
"I'm going to be aggressive and I'm going to stay within the gameplan," Mallett said. "I'm passionate about this game and I'm passionate about my teammates."
The Texans acquired Mallett in a late August trade with New England, sending a conditional sixth or seventh round pick in 2015 to the Patriots. Since joining the team, according to O'Brien, Mallett's shown steady improvement in practice.
"I think it's more about operating the offense," O'Brien said. "Watching Ryan in practice every day, I
believe it's gotten better and better. His huddle command, his command at the line of scrimmage, his knowledge of our offense, you know he's been in this system for four years."
Mallett's thrown four passes in his NFL career, and they all came during the 2012 season in New England. He said he plans on staying in Houston over the bye week to "lift weights and watch film". Helping Houston get a victory is priority one right now for Mallett.
"I'm just trying to get a win against the Cleveland Browns," Mallett said. "I've got two weeks to prepare and I'm going to do the best that I can to leave no stone unturned, and try to get a win. We need one."
The Texans are off from Thursday through Sunday, and will get back to work as a team on Monday.
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