HOUSTON -- Texans coach Bill O'Brien's first order of business upon arriving today for his post-practice press conference was to tell us he would not take any questions about quarterback Ryan Mallett's "situation" on Thursday.

That situation, of course, is that Mallett missed Thursday's practice with an unexcused absence. He arrived later in the day for meetings. Mallett returned to practice on Friday. Though clearly still in O'Brien's doghouse, Mallett remains the team's second-string quarterback after starter Brian Hoyer, the coach said.

Asked specifically about Mallett's day of practice, O'Brien deflected again.

"I thought Brian Hoyer had a good practice today," he replied. "I thought he did some really good things in practice today. I think Tom [Savage] did some decent things and Ryan, when he got in there, was able to do some thing. But I thought Brian Hoyer had one of his better practices. Situationally and all the things we threw at him. I thought Brian had a solid practice today."

Hoyer was named the Texans starter on Monday. He was also told that the competition was close and that if he didn't play well enough to keep the job, Mallett would have a chance.

On Tuesday, Mallett said he was disappointed and "a little bit" angry at not being named the starter. He said he thought he did enough to win the job. He also said he would get a shot to play this year.

O'Brien maintained that all three quarterbacks will play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.