O’BRIEN NAMES FITZPATRICK TEXANS’ STARTING QB

Ryan Fitzpatrick is the Houston Texans' starting quarterback.

Texans coach Bill O'Brien announced his decision to the team Tuesday morning and then at his news conference following Houston's first day of mandatory minicamp.

O'Brien said he felt it was important for the team to know who its starting quarterback was heading into the mandatory portions of its offseason.

Houston then released quarterback T.J. Yates. Yates will have to go through the waiver system before becoming a free agent.

The Texans signed Fitzpatrick in free agency shortly before trading Matt Schaub to the Oakland Raiders. Last season, Schaub lost his starting spot to Case Keenum midway through the season.

As expected, wide receiver Andre Johnson did not attend Tuesday's practice.

Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney returned to Houston for his rehabilitation after having sports hernia surgery Thursday.