The Houston Texans named Brian Hoyer as their starting quarterback, according to multiple reports Monday.
The NFL Network first reported head coach Bill O’Brien’s choice of Hoyer, who has been battling with Ryan Mallett for the starting job.
O’Brien had not declared a starter after watching the video of a 14-10 loss to the Denver Broncos on Saturday night at NRG Stadium.
“One guy will start, when I’m ready to make a decision, I’ll let you know,” O’Brien said Sunday. “It’s a high-profile position.”
Hoyer, 29, signed a two-year, $10.5 million with the Texans during the offseason after spending the last two years with the Cleveland Browns.
Hoyer started Houston’s preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers while Mallett started against Denver.
Neither quarterback distinguished himself particularly well against the Broncos, and both failed to lead a scoring drive. Hoyer completed 7 of 11 for 52 yards in relief of Mallett, who completed 5 of 7 for 23 yards.
“I think at this point there’s definitely things that need to be corrected and get fixed,” Hoyer said after Saturday’s game. “But I don’t feel poorly about where I’m at. I don’t know if I’d say I feel great. I think we have a long way to go as an entire offensive unit, myself included.”
Mallett, 27, started two games last season, his first in Houston, before suffering a pectoral injury and missing the rest of the year.