Quarterback Ryan Mallett is lucky to still be a member of the Houston Texans.
According to Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle, head coach Bill O’Brien wanted to release Mallett after the fifth-year quarterback missed a team flight to Miami over the weekend. But he was “overruled” by general manager Rick Smith, and Mallett remains on the roster.
The Texans were eventually blown out by the Dolphins in Week 7, falling behind 41-0 at half time before losing by a 44-26 final. Mallett, who told ESPN he “got caught in traffic” on his way to the airport, flew commercial to Miami and did not play in the game.
Mallett made similar waves this preseason when he overslept and missed a practice. It happened two days after O’Brien named Brian Hoyer his starter.
He wasn’t cut this weekend because Smith felt the Texans need a “capable backup” behind Hoyer. Mallett has seen action in five games this season, throwing three touchdowns and four interceptions with a passer rating of 63.6.
Smith acquired Mallett in a trade with the New England Patriots in 2014. The former third-round pick is under contract in Houston through the 2016 season.
The 2-4 Texans sound like they have a legitimate power struggle at the top of their organization, with a replacement-level quarterback at the center of the schism.