Houston Texans coach Bill O' Brien said that the quarterback competition would be wide open. It appears that the competition has instead been blown open as O' Brien has announced that veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to be the starter for the Texans.
It ends speculation in Houston as to who may have been the quarterback. Case Keenum, T.J Yates, and rookie Tom Savage had their hats thrown into the pile as well. It's just that Coach O' Brien liked Ryan's best.
This will leave a battle between Case Keenum, T.J Yates, and Tom Savage to see who will be the backup to Fitzpatrick. Whoever earns this roll may learn a lot behind the savvy of the tenth year quarterback.
Bill O' Brien has also said that one of the quarterbacks will be cut, sooner rather than later. Since it makes no sense to cut a rookie, the battle to stay out of the unemployment line is now between third year quarterback Case Keenum, and fourth year quarterback T.J Yates.
On a side note, now Houston sports fans have more than one beard to look at. Have fun comparing James Harden and Ryan Fitzpatrick in that department.
Edit: Shortly following the announcement of Fitzpatrick being named starter, the Texans have released quarterback T.J Yates. Tom Savage and Case keenum are now the two quarterbacks left to fight for the backup spot.