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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien made a change late in Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

O'Brien replaced quarterback Brian Hoyer with Ryan Mallett in the fourth quarter, reigniting Houston's quarterback controversy. It's unclear who will start Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers.

"I'm going to go in there and watch the tape and make an honest evaluation and make a decision one way or the other going into the Carolina game," O'Brien told reporters after the loss.

Hoyer completed 18 of 34 passes for 236 yards Sunday. He turned over the football twice deep in his own territory -- one fumble, one interception -- and struggled throughout the contest.

"It was a coach's decision, and I can see why he did that, for sure," Hoyer told reporters. "I can play a lot better and no one feels worst about it than I do.

"I'm disappointed, embarrassed. I feel like I let those guys down."

Mallett provided a spark off the bench despite Houston falling 27-20. He completed 8 of 13 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Hoyer edged Mallett in the preseason but clearly was on a short leash given the close nature of the quarterback competition. O'Brien worked with both of Tom Brady's former backups in New England.

Thumbnail photo via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images