AP Source: Houston Texans Release QB Ryan Mallett
KRISTIE RIEKEN, AP Sports Writer
HOUSTON (AP) — Ryan Mallett is done in Houston.
The Texans released the quarterback on Tuesday after he missed the team's charter flight to Florida this weekend, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team had not officially announced Mallett's release.
The 27-year-old Mallett said he missed the flight because of traffic and he took a commercial flight to meet the team in Miami, where the team was blown out 44-26 and fell to 2-5.
"You've got to be on time," Mallett said after the game. "That's not the leadership role I need to exhibit. I need to be better."
It wasn't the first time he'd missed a team activity: He overslept and missed a practice in training camp.
Mallett was in his second season in Houston after being traded from New England in August 2014 after spending three seasons as Tom Brady's backup.
Mallett lost the starting job in training camp, but took over in the season opener after Brian Hoyer struggled. Mallett started the team's next four games but led the Texans to just one win as he threw two touchdown passes with four interceptions. He was benched in favor of Hoyer in the middle of his fourth start against Indianapolis on Oct. 8.
After he was removed from the game, television shots showed him pouting on the sideline and frowning after at least one score by the Texans, behavior he was widely criticized for.
The Texans will now have to find a backup to replace him because Hoyer is the only quarterback remaining on the active roster with Tom Savage on injured reserve. Zac Dysert is the only quarterback on Houston's practice squad.
The Texans (2-5) host Tennessee (1-5) on Sunday.
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