T.J. Yates, as he was in 2012, is the Texans' backup quarterback in 2013. Head coach Gary Kubiak made the announcement after Thursday's practice. Yates was pushed during OTA's, training camp and the preseason by second-year signal caller Case Keenum.
"We'll go this season with T.J. starting as our two," Kubiak said. "I couldn't have made a wrong decision. They both played so well."
Kubiak said Yates "answered the bell" from the challenge by Keenum, who had a stellar spring and summer during the competition.
"It was a matter of one guy really raising his level of play in Case, and how far he's come," Kubiak said. "I think he has a very bright future."
When Yates guided the Texans offense during the four preseason games, he had a 70-percent completion percentage and 121.8 quarterback rating.
"T.J. played as good as he's played around here," Kubiak said.
He also added that the depth chart behind starter Matt Schaub is not set in stone and that Yates and Keenum will remain competitive.
Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said that "it's very rare" to have a pair of reserve quarterbacks on a team to play at such a high caliber.
"To have two guys that you feel real comfortable with, that's great for us," Dennison said.
"They both played very, very well. They're both extremely hard workers. They are competitive but they're rooting for each other."
Dennison added that Keenum's progression was a fast one, since joining the Texans as an undrafted rookie in May of 2012.
