The Sports Xchange

Quarterback Ryan Mallett will get the start when the 1-3 Houston Texans play host to the 2-2 Indianapolis Colts Thursday night.

Texans coach Bill O’Brien made the announcement during a news conference Monday. He stressed Mallett must play better to keep his job. The challenges of making the transition to a new quarterback in three days factored in O’Brien’s decision.

Mallett was benched in Sunday’s game with the Texans trailing Atlanta, 42-0. Backup Brian Hoyer led the team to three late scores on 17 of 30 for 232 yards.

“Brian (Hoyer) did a good job, but being on a short week, it’s important to stay with Ryan right now,” O’Brien said.

Mallett completed 12 of 27 passes for 150 yards against the Falcons.

Hoyer was the starter in Week 1, but was benched after a poor outing.