The Houston Texans are keeping continuity under center.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle via McCarron’s own Instagram account, the former Alabama Crimson Tide signal caller is coming back to the Texans.
Texans quarterback A.J. McCarron announced on Instagram he's back with the team: 'Happy to be back with the squad!!'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 17, 2020
In 2019, McCarron didn’t see any significant action. While he did earn his first start since filling in for an injured Andy Dalton in 2015 with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Week 17 game versus the Tennessee Titans was meaningless as the Texans couldn’t earn a first-round bye. The goal was to keep as many starters and contributors, including Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson, healthy for the playoffs.
McCarron completed 21-of-36 for 225 yards and an interception while taking four sacks. McCarron did carry five times for 39 yards and a touchdown in the 35-14 loss to the eventual AFC Championship Game runner-ups.
Part of why getting McCarron back in the fold was to help with the game day collaboration between offensive coordinator Tim Kelly and offensive assistant Carl Smith.
“A.J.’s got a lot of experience in a lot different offenses, whether it was Alabama, Cincinnati, Oakland and here,” coach Bill O’Brien told reporters on Dec. 2, 2019. “A.J.’s really good during the game, too. A.J. does a good job during the game and so there’s a lot of collaboration with Timmy and Carl and then when I’m in there.”
With the organization trading away three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the Texans’ passing game can use all the continuity it can get.