The Texans could be picking a starting quarterback before training camp starts, which could be good news for the guy who signed as a free agent the more lucrative contract.
Another factor favors former Browns starter Brian Hoyer -- beyond the fact that he has been a starter for considerably more games than Ryan Mallett. Hoyer has greater mobility, and coach Bill O’Brien’s offense values that.
On Wednesday, O’Brien addressed the ability of his quarterbacks to roll out and to run bootleg plays.
“I think that Brian Hoyer did a lot of that in Cleveland and he was very good at it,” O’Brien said, via a transcript distributed by the team. “He was very good at it. Against us last year, he had that bootleg where he hit the receiver I think for a touchdown against us. He’s very good at that.
“I think Ryan Mallett is a good ball faker. Even though he might not be the most mobile guy, if he makes a good fake and he can draw the defense to the run, he can get out on the flank. It’s definitely something that’s part of our -- it’s always been part of our offense and it’s been pretty good the last couple days.”
If a decision is indeed going to be made before training camp, the hay already is in the barn. The Texans have canceled Thursday’s minicamp practice, ending the offseason program.