Ryan Mallett, the strong-armed quarterback who threw for nearly 7,500 yards in two seasons at Arkansas, has been named Houston’s starter for Sunday’s game against Carolina, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapport.

Mallett beat out Brian Hoyer, an offseason acquisition the Texans thought would be their starter. After three inconsistent quarters in the opener, Hoyer was benched for Mallett who threw for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Texans coach Bill O’Brien said Monday he would keep his quarterback decision close to the vest.

“I’m not going to make a big quarterback announcement today,” O’Brien said. “You’ll have to wait for the first play of the Carolina game to see.”

Drafted in the third round by the New England Patriots in 2011, Mallett spent three seasons behind Tom Brady before being traded to Houston prior to the start of the 2014 campaign.

In his first career start last season, Mallett threw two touchdown passes including one to J.J. Watt during a win over the Cleveland Browns.