HOUSTON -- The Texans have a starting quarterback. [url=https://www.cheappenguinsjersey.com/]Wholesale Penguins Jerseys[/url] . Now they need star wide receiver Andre Johnson back in the fold. New coach Bill OBrien named Ryan Fitzpatrick the starter, an announcement overshadowed somewhat by Johnsons

HOUSTON -- The Texans have a starting quarterback. Wholesale Penguins Jerseys . Now they need star wide receiver Andre Johnson back in the fold. New coach Bill OBrien named Ryan Fitzpatrick the starter, an announcement overshadowed somewhat by Johnsons absence Tuesday on the first day of a mandatory three-day mini-camp. Johnson hasnt participated in any of the teams voluntary off-season workouts and said last month that he wouldnt attend these workouts, either. On Tuesday, he missed the opening day of workouts that are the last before training camp in late July. Fitzpatrick signed with the team in the off-season a day before Matt Schaub was traded to the Raiders and OBrien made him compete with the three other quarterbacks on the roster for the starting job. "He definitely earned it," OBrien said. "He earned it with his preparation. He earned it with his accuracy. He earned it with his command at the line of scrimmage." A former starter for the Buffalo Bills, the nine-year veteran started nine games last season for Tennessee after Jake Locker was injured. Fitzpatrick threw for 2,454 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. "This is where I wanted to be," Fitzpatrick said. "I wanted another shot at it. I wanted another chance to be the guy." OBrien said this decision doesnt mean that things cant change as the year progresses. "Everybody on our team every single day has to go out there and earn their spot on the team, earn their starting spot," OBrien said. "So quarterback is no different. We have confidence in his ability to lead our football team. Hes done a really good job in the off-season of picking up our system and hes executed it well." Case Keenum, who took over as starter when Schaub was benched last season, T.J. Yates and rookie Tom Savage are vying to be the backup to Fitzpatrick. "With all three of those guys we need just a little bit more consistency," OBrien said. "It has nothing to do with effort or work ethic. Those guys have all worked extremely hard. Theyve all done what weve asked them to do." Johnson has said he has not asked for a trade but last month wondered if Houston was "still the place for me." The 32-year-old receiver is Houstons longest-tenured player after joining the franchise in its second season. OBrien said that he has spoken to and text messaged with Johnson, but wouldnt reveal any details. He said he isnt concerned that Johnson has missed the implementation of his new offence. "I believe based on the different systems that hes been in that hed be able to pick up on our system," OBrien said. "Hes a bright guy, a very bright guy and a guy thats done a lot in this league. So I think hed be able to figure it out." OBrien also doesnt think that Johnsons absence is taking away from the rest of the teams work. "Its really about the guys that are here and theyre working extremely hard," OBrien said. "They dont seem to be too distracted." With Johnson out, Houstons young group of receivers is led by last years first-round pick DeAndre Hopkins and includes third-year players DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin. "Weve thrown a lot at them," OBrien said. "Its not easy to play receiver in this system and those guys seem to be getting better every day." Houston had preseason Super Bowl aspirations last year, but wound up with an NFL-worst 2-14 record. Rather than choosing a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, they chose defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney, who is recovering from surgery to repair a sports hernia and also not at the mini-camp. Penguins Jerseys China . -- John Senden never imagined it would take more than seven years to win again. Penguins Jerseys 2020 .Y. -- The Buffalo Bills will head into the regular season short on experience at quarterback after trimming the roster on Friday. https://www.cheappenguinsjersey.com/ . According to a report from the Vancouver Province, the Lions are expected to replace former DC Rich Stubler with defensive backs coach Mark Washington.ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota Wild defenceman Keith Ballard was hospitalized Tuesday night following a hit into the boards by New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin.The Wild announced Ballard was conscious while he was taken to Regions Hospital for evaluation and observation.Coach Mike Yeo said after the Wilds 5-4 victory that he had no further update on Ballards condition.Ballard passed the puck at mid-ice midway through the second period and tried to turn away as Martin charged toward him at a straight-ahead angle. Martins forearm was raised for contact, and Ballard was slammed into the glass partition separating the benches above the wall.Pinned awkwardly, Ballard fell, and his head bounced hard on the ice. At one point, he appeared to be convulsing back and forth as medics hustled out a stretcher, just a few feet in front of concerned players and coaches on the Wild bench.But Ballard was able to get up after a few minutes and walk slowly to the locker room with assistance. Defenceman Nate Prosser said he believed Ballards face hit the dasher board because he saw blood on it. Ballard had cuts on his face.All I can do is really pray for him right now, and hopefully hes feeling all right, Prosser said. Pittsburgh Penguins Gear. Prosser was yelling at the Islanders bench after the hit. Speaking to reporters in the locker room after the game, Prosser had to stop to compose himself a couple of times.Thats something we never want to see in this sport, Prosser said.Wild forward Thomas Vanek, who spent part of last season with the Islanders, said he doesnt believe Martin intended any malice. He did, however, call the move a dumb decision by Martin.I was actually on the forecheck, and the next thing I know he was in a lot of pain, obviously. Its something I dont wish upon anyone, Vanek said, adding: It was sickening, but we took the emotions the right way and deserved to win.Martin was unavailable for comment. Islanders coach Jack Capuano came to his defence.Its tough for Matty. Obviously, hes not that type of player. I didnt see it on the video from the bench. It looked like he may have turned at the last minute, Capuano said, adding: Just hoping that hes OK.The Wild had a Wednesday morning flight scheduled for San Jose, where they will play on Thursday night.Hopefully Keith is well, and well move on and have him back as soon as possible, captain Mikko Koivu said. ' ' '