HOUSTON -- Some things old are new again, and that pertains to Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is back at starter for the Texans.
He appeared at practice on Wednesday and spoke to the media in the locker room – sporting a much shorter beard.
Fitzpatrick said his family wasn't fond of his previous look, and he joked that he would frequently find old food hidden in his bushy beard.
The Texans formally placed quarterback Ryan Mallett on injured reserve, meaning Fitzpatrick will start on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
Coach Bill O'Brien wouldn't say what Mallett's injury was on Monday, but the Texans placed him on season-ending IR on Wednesday.
Fitzpatrick started the first nine games before being benched during the bye week in favor of Mallett. Mallett went 1-1 as the starter.
Fitzpatrick is a 10-year NFL veteran, who has thrown for 1,960 yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season.
Also on Wednesday, the Texans signed free agent quarterback Thad Lewis, who was released by the Bills in training camp. Tom Savage, a fourth-round pick, is Houston's other quarterback.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
