Texans first depth chart provides no clues on QB battle

The Houston Texans released their first unofficial depth chart of the preseason in advance of Saturday night's game against the San Francisco 49ers. But for those looking for clues as to who might be leading the starting quarterback competition, no such luck.

The Texans listed both Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer as starters. The two are battling in camp for the starting job.

Both players have taken snaps with the first team throughout camp and head coach Bill O'Brien thus far has declined to identify a leader, or even the person who will be under center for Houston's opening offensive drive against the 49ers.

“I think we’re trying to be very fair, I’ll tell you that,” O’Brien said, via the Houston Chronicle. “I think we are. I believe that both guys understand that and both guys have had an equal amount of reps. We’re looking for consistency regardless of who they’re playing with, just overall consistency. 

“Both guys are even. They’re competitive guys. We really, we have a lot of fun coaching both guys, they bring a lot of energy to the table. They’re smart, they’re good quarterbacks, and like I said, like I’ve said from day one, one guy will start and the other guy will back up the start, and we’ll go from there.”

Also of note, with Arian Foster out with a groin injury, Alfred Blue is listed as Houston's top running back.

(h/t Houston Chronicle)

Photo credit: Bob Levey/AP