Texans release backup QB Ryan Mallett after missed flight

Mallett flew commercial to get to the game against the Miami Dolphins on time, but the team still lost 44-26. New England drafted Mallett in the third-round of the 2011 draft. Hoyer may have started the Texans’ 2015 season opener, but he was taken out in the fourth quarter and Mallett took the field in his place. The Texans traded for him in August 2014, into an offense that he knew well. Part of Smith’s reticence may have been related to Mallett being the only other healthy quarterback on the roster. Mallett claimed he missed the flight because of traffic. He missed two days of training camp after Hoyer was named the starter and most recently missed Houston’s charter flight to Miami for last weekend’s game.

With Hoyer now firmly entrenched as the starter, Mallett began his disappearing act, first showing up late for the meetings on Saturday, then missing the team flight entirely.

Punctuality and professionalism were hindrances for Mallett in his competition with Brian Hoyer, and proved fatal detriments at a position typically defined by leadership and decision making. “Got to be on time”. If Mallett clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent and lose the remaining $3.5 million on his two-year contract signed prior to the season.

The Texans will reportedly be trying to bring back T.J. Yates to back up Hoyer. He’s still physically gifted, has shown flashes of great play, and spent his first several seasons in the league learning from one of the best quarterbacks in history.

So now Mallett will hit the open market with his rocket arm, his ten cent head, and a tenure here in Houston that was ultimately a failure on his resume.

Whether the Houston Texans will be able to improve upon their current 2-5 record and salvage what’s left of this season is still up in the air.