According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Houston Texans have released quarterback T.J. Yates, who was at one point a starter for them in the playoffs. This comes on the heels of new head coach Bill O’Brien naming veteran signal caller Ryan Fitzpatrick the starting quarterback for the 2014 season.
The #Texans just released TJ Yates, source says
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 17, 2014
The move is surprising in that Yates stood a chance to compete with Case Keenum and Tom Savage for the two backup spots behind Fitzpatrick. Releasing him prior to training camp is an indication that the Texans are at least sold on Savage as a backup in 2014.
Yates started five regular season games during his three-year career with the Texans after being selected in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL draft. He is 1-1 in two career playoff starts, both of which took place following the 2011 regular season with then starter Matt Schaub sidelined to injury.
He figures to get some play on the open market as a backup option and camp body.
Photo: HoustonTexans.com