The Texans got back to work on Monday, except for Ryan Mallett.
He never took off.
With his career start coming Sunday, the fourth-year signal caller spent the bye weekend getting ready for the Cleveland Browns.
Texans QB Ryan Mallett took the practice field for the first time as the starter on Monday.
"I was here myself," Mallett said. "A lot of film study. Worked out a little bit, but a lot of film study. Just trying to get ready for these guys and they've got a good team. Their 6-3 and we've got to execute to have a chance."
After spending his first three seasons in the NFL watching future Hall of Famer Tom Brady at work, Mallett's first start is finally here. A key to executing the offense on Sunday, according to Mallett, will come with everyone being on the same page.
"We just have to communicate," Mallett said. "See everything through the same set up eyes and make sure everybody is seeing everything the same way for us to be successful."
Mallett was acquired via trade at the end of August. The Texans sent New England a 2015 late-round conditional pick in exchange for the former Arkansas Razorback.
