Hoyer sustains concussion, opening door for Yates' heroics
Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer sustained a concussion early in the second half of Monday night's game in Cincinnati, an unfortunate turn for the player which turned to be a stroke of luck for his team.
Backup T.J. Yates, who hadn't thrown a pass in a game since he was signed on Oct. 28 to replace Ryan Mallett, replaced Hoyer and led Houston to a 10-6 victory, throwing the touchdown pass that knocked the Bengals out of the ranks of the NFL's unbeaten.
The play which led to the concussion was not apparent during the game -- he walked off the field to get examined for a concussion after the second series of the second half and did not return.
Hoyer was 12-of-22 for 123 yards at the time, with an interception on a Hail Mary to end the first half. He actually turned in the Texans' longest run of the game -- a 15-yard scramble that helped lead to a field goal in the second quarter.
Yates finished the game 5-of-11 for 69 yards, hitting receiver DeAndre Hopkins on a 22-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter -- a dazzling grab down the sideline by Hopkins which proved to be the game's only touchdown and the game-winning score.
-- The Associated Press contributed to this report
