Report: Texans GM wouldn’t let Bill O’Brien cut Ryan Mallett

After Ryan Mallett missed the team flight to Miami this weekend, Texans head coach Bill O’Brien wanted to cut the backup quarterback but was overruled by general manager Rick Smith, Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle reports.

After Ryan Mallett missed the team flight to Miami this weekend, Texans head coach Bill O’Brien wanted to cut the backup quarterback but was overruled by general manager Rick Smith, Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle​ reports.

Mallett missed the team’s charter on Saturday and had to take a commercial flight to Miami for Houston’s game against the Dolphins. He said later that he missed the flight because he was caught in traffic.

The Texans have only two quarterbacks on their active roster—Mallett and starter Brian Hoyer. Tom Savage is on injured reserve with a shoulder problem and Zac Dysert is on the practice squad. 

O’Brien said Monday that Mallett’s situation was being handled internally. The Chronicle’s John McClain reports Mallett will be fined. 

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- Dan Gartland