Houston, TX – The Houston Texans have released backup quarterback Kellen Clemens and placed punter Brett Hartmann on injured reserve.
The Texans will sign veteran Jeff Garcia to take Clemens' spot, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Garcia worked out for Houston in each of the past two weeks, but the Texans originally decided to go with Clemens on November 23 after Matt Schaub was lost for the season with a right foot injury.
Houston inked Jake Delhomme a week later when Matt Leinart suffered a season- ending injury to his throwing shoulder during a Week 12 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 41-year-old Garcia last played with Omaha of the UFL a year ago. The 11- year NFL veteran has thrown for 25,537 yards with 161 touchdowns and 83 interceptions during his NFL career.
With plenty of NFL experience between Garcia and Delhomme, it appears that Houston's plan is to use the veterans as teachers to guide fifth-round rookie quarterback T.J. Yates through the rest of the season.
Yates threw for 188 yards and a score in Houston's 17-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday -- his first career NFL start.
The Texans have won six consecutive games and continue to hold a two-game cushion over the Tennessee Titans in the AFC South.
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