QB Case Keenum will start for the Texans on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Texans coach Gary Kubiak announced his decision after ruling out Matt Schaub, who is recovering from an ankle and foot injury.
"We're struggling and we're looking for a spark," Kubiak said, adding that Keenum deserves the chance.
It's bad news for the Texans' pass offense that Schaub won't be healthy enough to play. Keenum was undrafted, but had three very productive seasons at Houston, throwing for an average of 5,440 yards and 45.3 TDs in his final three (full) seasons in college. He's largely unknown on the NFL level, which makes Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins and Garrett Graham dicey starts against the Chiefs.