The Houston Texans have proven they can get by with an injury to Arian Foster. They do not have the same luxury at quarterback. The team has been dealing with issues at the position ever since they opted to take Jadeveon Clowney with the No. 1 overall pick rather than getting a quarterback. They acquired Ryan Fitzpatrick and hoped he would be enough. He was not and in went Mallett, but an injury might be ending the quarterback's year after two games.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Mallett is dealing with a right pectoral injury that now has his season at risk. The quarterback first suffered the injury in the win over the Cleveland Browns, his first start in his four-year career. The injury was reported as a chest injury throughout the week, but appears to be more serious than the team was letting on. Team sources say Mallett will undergo an MRI to determine just how bad the injury is before making a ruling on what the remainder of his season looks like.
The Texans are in big trouble if Mallett is out. Houston acquired the quarterback via a trade just before the season began. He played backup to Fitzpatrick who struggled through the start of the season and was eventually pulled just before the team's bye week. Mallett was inserted as starter on Nov. 16 after backing up Tom Brady for three years. He looked every bit the part of the starting quarterback going 20 for 30 in passing with two touchdowns. The Texans had hope, but this injury does not point to good things in the future.
If Mallett cannot play, the team will have to start Fitzpatrick again unless they opt to try rookie Tom Savage. That sets the team up for the short-term, but there are lingering questions for the next few years. Mallett will be a free agent in the offseason. With just two games under his belt, teams will likely not be willing to give the quarterback the contract he might be looking for and the Texans might look to another quarterback who has better stats for next season.
According to ESPN.com, the Texans are a contender to sign Brian Hoyer in the offseason. With Fitzpatrick likely out, Hoyer could be the veteran the team needs to be successful while younger players develop. Houston could also look to someone like Mark Sanchez for help. The team has Fitzpatrick they can place under center for the time being until the health of Mallett is determined.
