Football: Delhomme signs deal with Texans 11/30/11

Football: Delhomme signs deal with Texans 11/30/11

Associated Press, Daily Advertiser, Nov. 30, 2011

The Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints 33-31 Sunday Dec. 28, 2008 in NFL football at the Superdome in New Orleans, La. Photo by Brad Kemp

HOUSTON — The injury-riddled Houston Texans added to their quarterback depth Tuesday, reaching a deal with Jake Delhomme.

Delhomme worked out with the Texans on Tuesday, along with another retired quarterback, Jeff Garcia. The 36-year-old Delhomme will back up rookie T.J. Yates, a fifth-round pick slated to start Sunday’s game against Atlanta.

Rick Smith, Delhomme’s agent, said in a phone interview Tuesday his client has been staying in shape and raising racehorses in Louisiana since he was cut by Cleveland in July.

"He relishes that role, and he’s looking forward to contributing to the team," Smith said in a phone interview. "He keeps himself in shape, he’s been throwing a bunch."

The Texans are dangerously thin at the position in the wake of season-ending injuries to Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart.

Houston signed Kellen Clemens last week after learning Schaub will need season-ending surgery on his right foot. Leinart broke his left collarbone in Sunday’s 20-13 win over Jacksonville.

Yates replaced Leinart late in the first half, and went 8 for 15 for 70 yards in his first NFL action. Coach Gary Kubiak confirmed Monday that Leinart was out for the year and said Yates would start against the Falcons.