Report: Texans Release Backup Quarterback Matt Leinart

There is news regarding the Houston Texans and their quarterback situation, but relax — it has nothing to do with Peyton Manning. The team has released QB Matt Leinart, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

This is not to make room for Peyton Manning: Texans cut quarterback Matt Leinart.

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Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2012

Leinart played bits and pieces of 11 games for the Texans in 2011, beginning the season as a backup for Matt Schaub but stepping in as a starter twice late in the year. He finished the season 10-of-13 for 57 yards and one touchdown (in other words, a good first quarter for someone like Manning).

Leinart, a former Heisman Trophy winner who turns 29 in May, was the Arizona Cardinals’ first-round pick in the 2006 NFL draft, going No. 10 overall. He has 3,950 career passing yards and 15 TDs to his name.