I'm not a big believer in luck, but if such a force truly does exist, then Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett doesn't have much of it.

Mallett spent almost four years on the bench waiting for his chance to start in the NFL. The Texans gave him that chance when they replaced Ryan Fitzpatrick with Mallett two weeks ago, but it appears as if his big shot will be short lived.  

Mallett suffered what is reported to be a season-ending torn pectoral muscle yesterday against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had completed 54.7 percent of his passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions this season.

The Texans will now have to choose between returning to the ineffective veteran Fitzpatrick or hand over the keys to callow fourth-round rookie Tom Savage. Neither option inspires much hope in Houston fans.

The Texans traded a sixth-round draft pick to the New England Patriots for Mallett. The former Arkansas signal-caller will now enter free agency with both health and ability concerns. Tough break.