The Houston Texans have released Ryan Mallett after a number of late arrivals from the backup quarterback.

It was revealed at the weekend that Mallett was late to team meetings on Saturday, before being forced to take a commercial flight to join up with the Texans for their game against the Miami Dolphins a day later as he had missed the charter flight to Florida.

The 27-year-old blamed traffic for the issues he had, but ESPN claims that his excuses did not please head coach Bill O'Brien, who was keen to release him immediately.

Mallett had started four games in a row after replacing Brian Hoyer in the opening-week loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but he lost the role due to his poor performances.

Houston, who are 2-5 for the season, are reported to have re-signed free agent TJ Yates to serve as understudy to Brian Hoyer.