Who will be the Houston Texans backup QB?

Aug 25, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13) attempts a pass during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

With a starting quarterback that won’t make the highlight reels with his running abilities, the backup quarterback position for the Houston Texans is a valuable spot on the 53-man roster. The Texans have a luxury at the position with the current battle between T.J. Yates and Case Keenum.

Since we all know that Matt Schaub is the starter, we also know since his time as a Texan he’s missed 13 starts, including two in the postseason due to injuries. Another thing we know is Yates has a playoff victory for the Texans, and Keenum is regarded highly in the organization.

All three quarterbacks have played relatively well this preseason, with Schaub passing for 339 yards, adding one touchdown and one interception, along with a QB rating of 89.3.

But this Thursday all the focus will be on Yates and Keenum, with these two seeing all the time under center for the Texans in their preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys.

Here is the tale of the tape for Yates vs. Keenum.

Aug 25, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) passes against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Reliant Stadium. The Saints won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Yates (6-4, 219) this preseason has 308 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, with a QB Rating of 118.3.

Keenum (6-1, 206) has passed for 354 yards with two touchdowns and also no interceptions. Keenum’s QB rating is 101.6.

Against similar competition this preseason the two have been similar in the stat line. Both have made the upcoming decision hard on those in charge of making it.

Keenum, who is 34-of-50 passing in three preseason games, is starting the game against the Cowboys, so a good performance could shift the momentum in his favor if he does a good job against the Texans’ in-state rival.

On the other hand, if he struggles and Yates does well, plus with his history on the Texans, he could also wrap up the No. 2 QB job as he is 27-of-39 through the air this preseason.

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak told the Houston media this week, “What I’ll do is I’ll start (QB) Case (Keenum) this week. They’ll both play a half of football going into this one. Obviously they’re going to be playing with a bunch of young players, but I think it’s been extremely close.

“It would be hard to make a decision today … but if I would have to make one, I’d make one. They’ve continued to get better, each of them, and push each other … I’m going to let them compete one more week and see how it goes.”

Having to make this decision has it’s good and bad points for Houston, but at least they know no matter who they choose, they have quality at the backup QB spot. With a team that has the talent like Houston does, that makes them dangerous.