HOUSTON (CBS HOUSTON) – Back-up Texans Quarterback Ryan Mallett was not at practice Thursday. The Texans utilized only starter Brian Hoyer and third stringer Tom Savage.

Bill O’Brien addressed his absence in his press conference and said it was a personal matter.

“That’s between Ryan and I. It’s just a personal issue for him,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien was then asked if Mallett would return to practice on Friday he said, “I should think so.”

On Monday morning O’Brien named Hoyer the starter ending the competition between he and Mallett.

O’Brien said earlier in the week that he planned on playing all three quarterbacks in Sunday’s pre-season game with New Orleans. O’Brien said that the plan is the same as of today but it could change.

“That’s what our thought is right now,” O’Brien said. “There’s still three days until Sunday. I reserve the right to change my mind.”

Alex Del Barrio can be heard on Saturday afternoons with Matt Murphy from 3-7 pm on Sportsradio 610. Follow Alex Del Barrio on Twitter: @alexdelbarrio