Ryan Mallett Injury: Updates on Texans QB's Pectoral and Return

Ryan Mallett injured his pectoral during Houston's loss to Cincinnati in Week 12.

Mallett has been placed on injured reserve.

Continue for updates.

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Mallett Placed on Injured Reserve

Drew Dougherty of HoustonTexans.com reported on Ryan Mallett as he recovers from a pectoral injury:

Fitzpatrick Named Starter in Week 13 

Coach Bill O'Brien announced that Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the starter for Houston in Week 13:

Monday, Nov. 24

Mallett Reportedly Out For Season, Texans Don't Confirm

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle first reported Mallett would miss the season, but Texans head coach Bill O'Brien would not confirm:

Sunday, Nov. 23

Mallett Injures Pectoral vs. Bengals

Ryan Mallett's brief run as the Houston Texans' starting quarterback could be over for the time being. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported that Mallett was dealing with an injured right pectoral muscle during Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The 26-year-old will have an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. McClain added that if the MRI reveals a torn pectoral, Mallett will likely spend weeks on the shelf:

Mallett was unimpressive Sunday as the Texans fell 22-13 to the Bengals. He played the entire game, finishing 21-of-45 for 189 yards and an interception. The injury helps explain at least part of his poor performance.

McClain also reported that the problem began back in Week 11:

Mallett was rather hard on himself after Sunday's game. According to The Associated Press (via ESPN.com), he felt his throwing accuracy was nowhere near good enough: "I didn't play well. I couldn't hit the broad side of the barn from 5 yards away."

With Mallett out, the Texans will turn back to Ryan Fitzpatrick, who won't elicit a ton of confidence among Houston fans. The team was 4-5 this season with Fitzpatrick under center.

The Texans are only two games back of the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South, but as long as Mallett's out, it's hard picturing Houston as a potential playoff team.