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NFL Preseason: Ryan Mallett skips out on Texans practice

By Kyle Franzoni

Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ryan Mallett misses Houston Texans’ practice after losing starting quarterback job to Brian Hoyer.

Ryan Mallett spent the first three years of his NFL career sitting behind future Hall of Famer Tom Brady. After being traded to the Houston Texans and starting two of the three games he appeared in last season, the 27-year-old quarterback thought 2015 was his chance to jump to the top of the pack and become a starter in the NFL.

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Well, that didn’t necessarily work out as planned for Mallett.

Mallett was informed earlier this week that he will sit behind starter Brian Hoyer when the season begins, a far cry from carrying the clipboard for Tom Brady. That decision didn’t sit well with Mallett, who spoke to the media following practice on Wednesday and said while not happy, he’ll press on.

"“Obviously I’m disappointed and I don’t agree with it but I’ll be ready.” (h/t NFL.com)"

However, those words of encouragement apparently changed a bit by the time Thursday rolled around, as the quarterback was absent from practice with a personal issue according to coach Bill O’Brien (h/t Houston Chronicle).

"“That’s between Ryan and I,” coach Bill O’Brien said."

Typically when a player has a personal issue between him and the coach, and then misses practice, it isn’t necessarily a good sign. Perhaps Mallett had a change of heart as to whether he was ready to accept the role or push for a trade to another team where opportunity is more present.

Now entering his fifth seasons since being drafted in the 3rd round of the 2011 draft, the former Arkansas quarterback has yet to see much action in the NFL, appearing in just seven games (starting two). Overall, he’s completed 42 of 79 pass attempts for 417 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.

On the flip side of the coin, Hoyer obviously had the inside track on the starting job. Another former Brady disciple, Hoyer started 13 games for the Cleveland Browns in 2014, completing 55.3% of his passes for 3,326 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. While it isn’t much more impressive, Hoyer does have the edge in terms of experience and likely deserves the first crack at failing. If he does, Mallett would be next in line to get a shot.

Of course, that could change if he decides to make an issue of his position on the depth chart.

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