Dose: Texans Turn to Mallett
Texans coach Bill O’Brien named Ryan Mallett the starting quarterback in Houston. He will replace Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was his traditionally solid but not spectacular self through nine games this season.
Benching Fitzpatrick was the right move for Houston. Fitzpatrick is not a championship quarterback, and while Mallett has shown nothing to suggest he can lead a team to the promised land, the Texans have to know for sure. O’Brien had likely been considering the switch for several weeks, and the bye afforded the perfect opportunity to make a change.
As for how this move changes the Texans’ offense, the answer is likely not very much. Arian Foster (groin, expected to play Week 11) will still be the focus as long as he is healthy, and while the big-armed Mallett may take a few more shots downfield, the reality is Fitzpatrick was throwing deep fairly often this season himself. There is also the question of protection behind the Texans’ terrible offensive line. Fitzpatrick has the mobility and improvisational ability to deal with a collapsing pocket. The same cannot be said for Mallett.
Mallett may take more deep shots and could “spark” the offense, but it is more likely the accuracy and decision making issues we have seen from Mallett in previous preseasons will be magnified behind a terrible offensive line. This move will be a lateral movement at best for the Texans’ offense and could end up sinking the ship altogether.
In Other News…
Unsurprisingly, Tony Romo (back) did not practice Wednesday, instead receiving treatment at the Cowboys’ London hotel. Romo would not have made the trip to London if he did not intend to play, but it is still anything but a sure thing he suits up against the Jaguars.
Giovani Bernard (hip) is officially doubtful for Thursday night’s game against the Browns. He is not going to play. Jeremy Hill will be an elite RB1 play against what may be the worst run defense in the league. Hill racked up 154 yards and two touchdowns in his first NFL start last week.
Sammy Watkins tweaked his groin during practice on Wednesday. The Bills sent Watkins for an MRI, but the injury is not believed to be serious. He will likely be back on the practice field Thursday. Fred Jackson (groin) practiced for the first time since Week 7. His status for Week 10 is unclear.
Adrian Peterson’s attorney made it clear Peterson hopes to be playing for the Vikings when they come out of the bye Week 11. All of Peterson’s legal matters are resolved, but the league has yet to provide a timetable for making a decision on his playing status. This situation should be resolved soon. Peterson needs to be owned in all formats.
Rex Ryan said he believes Michael Vick (foot) is “going to be fine” for Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh. Vick had his foot stepped on against Kansas City last week, and missed a series after banging his head on the turf. Vick showed well against the Chiefs, but he is a poor bet to play all four quarters against the Steelers.
The Eagles activated LG Evan Mathis (knee) from injured reserve/designated for return. Mathis is an outstanding run blocker and was one of the biggest reasons the Eagles had the best rushing attack in the league last season. With C Jason Kelce also back, LeSean McCoy should find a lot more room to run over the second half of the season. Buy-low while you still can.
Montee Ball (groin) returned to Broncos practice Wednesday. Since he went down Week 5, Ball has watched Ronnie Hillman seize the starting running back job in Denver. Ball may play this week, but he will be nothing but a change-of-pace option for Denver.
Marcus Lattimore has informed the 49ers he intends to retire. Lattimore was a dynamic college running back before two separate knee injuries derailed his career. The final injury, a gruesome October 2012 tear of his ACL, MCL and PCL while at South Carolina, proved too much to overcome. He will return to South Carolina to complete his degree.
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News and Notes
Calvin Johnson said his ankle is “almost 100 percent” and he is “very motivated” to have a strong second half after missing three games and being limited in another earlier this season. Watch out league. … Doug Baldwin (groin) did not practice Wednesday and may not be able to play this weekend. Russell Wilson’s receiving corps keeps getting worse. … Charles Sims (ankle) was limited in Bucs practice Wednesday. He should make his NFL debut against Atlanta Sunday. … Andrew Hawkins (thigh/knee) is questionable for Thursday night’s game against the Bengals. He is tentatively expected to play. Jordan Cameron (concussion) has been ruled out. … Ryan Mathews (knee) practiced on Wednesday, and he should be good to go when the Chargers return from bye Week 11. … Joseph Fauria (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday. He could start against the Dolphins. … Marquess Wilson (broken collarbone, I.R./recall) returned to Bears practice Wednesday. He likely will not be ready for Week 10, but could provide an offensive spark for the Bears down the stretch. … Packers coach Mike McCarthy said he would like to get Brandon Bostick more involved in the offense. Stop me if you have heard this before. … The Panthers are considering benching LCB Antoine Cason. Fantasy players should hope they keep him in the lineup. … Titans signed TE Brett Brackett off the Seahawks’ practice squad and placed TE Taylor Thompson on injured reserve. … The Chiefs signed FB Anthony Sherman to a contract extension. … The Giants claimed CB Chykie Brown off waivers from the Ravens. Their secondary is in trouble. … The Seahawks claimed DL Demarcus Dobbs off waivers from the 49ers. … The Panthers re-signed RB Chris Ogbonnaya.
Injury Quick Slants
Rashad Jennings (knee), Doug Martin (ankle), Vincent Jackson (ribs), Pierre Thomas (shoulder), Khiry Robinson (forearm) and Stepfan Taylor (calf) did not practice on Wednesday.
Andre Ellington (foot), Frank Gore (hip), Mark Ingram (shoulder), Percy Harvin (heel), Cecil Shorts (hamstring), Nate Washington (shoulder), Charles Clay (knee), Kenny Stills (thigh), Donnie Avery (groin), Marqise Lee (ankle) and Antone Smith (neck) were limited in practice on Wednesday.
Aaron Rodgers (hamstring), Jimmy Graham (shoulder), Lamar Miller (shoulder), Reggie Bush (ankle), Travis Kelce (ribs), Geno Smith (shoulder), Wes Welker (back) and Robert Woods (back) were full participants in practice on Wednesday.
