Brian Blanco/Associated Press

Desperate for quarterback help heading into Week 17, the Houston Texans have brought back Josh Johnson for the second time this season.

The Texans announced Wednesday that they signed Johnson to their active roster. The move comes after Taylor Heinicke was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol after leaving Monday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half.

NFL reporter Dov Kleiman noted Johnson hasn't completed a pass in an NFL game since 2011.

Quarterback T.J. Yates was also checked for a concussion in the first half of Houston's 34-6 loss against the Steelers, but he cleared the concussion protocol and re-entered the game after Heinicke had to leave.

The Texans previously signed Johnson on Nov. 7 after releasing Matt McGloin. Houston released Johnson two weeks later.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers originally drafted Johnson with a fifth-round pick in 2008. The 31-year-old has completed 54.2 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 29 games during his NFL career.

Since his last appearance in an NFL game with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013, Johnson has spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants.

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The Texans have used four different quarterbacks this season, including starters Yates, Deshaun Watson and Tom Savage. They will finish the 2017 season on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.