Brandon Weeden pressed into QB service for Texans against Colts

A second-quarter injury to quarterback T.J. Yates in Houston's Week 15 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts forced the Texans to turn to yet another signal-caller, as Brandon Weeden took over with the team's playoff hopes on the line.

With the Texans trailing 10-0, Yates suffered a left knee injury on a scramble late in the first half and was ruled out for the rest of the game. The five-year veteran started in place of Brian Hoyer, who is recovering from a concussion suffered in last week's loss to the New England Patriots.

Reports indicate that Yates may have suffered a torn ACL. If so, that would close the door on his season.

Weeden responded by leading the Texans to two field goals before throwing an 8-yard go-ahead touchdown pass to Jaelen Strong to rally Houston to a 16-10 victory.

The victory was the Texans' first in 14 tries in Indy and ended a three-game losing streak. More importantly, it gave the Texans the lead in the AFC South.

Weeden became the fourth quarterback to play for Houston this season, joining Hoyer, Yates and Ryan Mallett, who was released in October. Weeden was released by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season and joined the Texans a month ago.

Houston coach Bill O'Brien liked what he saw, saying afterward: ''He's a pro, he acts like a pro, he carries himself like a pro, he is a pro. Look, I'm not sure he has the whole offense down pat, but I think he has enough that he can go in there and function.''

The Texans and Colts entered Sunday's game tied for first in the AFC South at 6-7.