The Sports Xchange

HOUSTON – Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer came off the bench and led the offense on a scoring drive midway through the second quarter, supplanting starter Ryan Mallett who initially departed due to injury.

Mallett was removed after taking a late hit from Colts linebacker Sio Moore on the first third down of the Texans’ 12-play, 62-yard drive. Hoyer entered and led the Texans into field goal range, with kicker Nick Novak converting a 36-yard attempt to pull the Texans to within 13-3 with 2:08 left in the first half.

Texans running back Arian Foster also left the game in the first half. He was taken to the locker room to be tested for a head injury. When trainers claimed Foster’s helmet, he was visibly upset, spiking a plastic Gatorade drink carrier near the Houston bench.

Mallett appeared able to return to action early during the scoring drive, standing alone on the sideline with his helmet on as the Texans marched downfield.

Mallett, who replaced Hoyer during the opening week against the Kansas City Chiefs, was lifted in favor of Hoyer on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Texans coach Bill O’Brien kept Mallett as his starter.