The short-term and long-term quarterback options for the Houston Texans are anyone's guess at this point. The team started with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starter. Then they turned to Ryan Mallett who looked strong, but then suffered a season-ending injury. Fitzpatrick returned and then suffered a season-ending injury as well. Rookie Tom Savage took over and suffered a knee injury. At one point in Week 15 the Texans were warming up their punter to take snaps if necessary. Now as they approach Week 16, head coach Bill O'Brien has yet to announce the starter for the final two games.
Without any healthy quarterbacks on the roster, the Texans were forced to sign both Case Keenum and Thad Lewis on Monday in an effort to fill the position. Keenum has spent time with the Texans in the past. He signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and spent the whole offseason learning O'Brien's system, but was released when the trade for Mallett was complete. However, Lewis and O'Brien have known each other since the quarterback was 17and is familiar with his strengths as a starter. According to O'Brien, the team has a good idea of who will be playing quarterback on Sunday and the Houston Chronicle believes it will be Keenum considering his knowledge of the offense already.
"(Thad) has got a good, quick release and he's a smart guy. ... (Case) is a very bright guy, a hard-working guy - they're both hard-working guys," O'Brien said, via the Houston Chronicle. "Case has really good recollection. Here's a guy that hasn't really been here in four months and comes right back into the fold (Wednesday) morning and (Tuesday) and really has a good recall of what we were doing back when he was here."
Whoever is under center could be without several key options against the Baltimore Ravens. Andre Johnson has been out for the past week with a concussion that caused him to miss the game against the Indianapolis Colts. However, Johnson returned to practice on Wednesday after being given the all-clear by doctors and O'Brien remains hopeful that he will play on Sunday. The Ravens are working in a new cornerback which could mean big numbers for Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins if Keenum or Lewis can get them the ball.
Arian Foster's status is also in doubt. The running back was not present at practice after suffering what the team says is a hip injury. He had the same issue against the Colts, but still managed 117 yards on 29 carries. He will be a key factor against the Ravens as their defense is already tough against the run to begin with.
When the season is over the Texans will have to make big decisions regarding their quarterback options. It is really unclear who of the three is a fit for the future. Fitzpatrick has one more year remaining on a deal that offers $4 million in guaranteed money. Mallett will be a free agent. Savage has played just a handful of minutes. The rookie quarterback will remain, but the jury is still out on both Mallett and Fitzpatrick. ESPN.com reported O'Brien would be making Brian Hoyer a priority in the offseason considering the two have strong history working together.
