Report: Ryan Mallett to start for Texans Week 2 vs. Panthers

The Houston Texans are preparing for quarterback Ryan Mallett to be the starter for Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

The report comes on the heels of the Texans 27–20 season-opening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Houston went with Brian Hoyer as the starter in that game, and the seven-year veteran went 18 for 34 for 236 yards and one touchdown. Hoyer had trouble dealing with the pressure from the Kansas City defense, throwing an interception and losing a fumble.

Head coach Bill O’Brien yanked Hoyer for Mallet with 6:10 left in the fourth quarter and the Texans down 27–9. Mallett finished 8 for 13 and threw a touchdown, helping pull Houston within seven points by the end of the game.

Mallett has made two career starts since being drafted by the New England Patriots in 2011. He went 1–1 in those two games.

• Texans QB Ryan Mallett missed practice after oversleeping

- Alex Nieves

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