HOUSTON (August 9, 2012) -- Houston Texans receiver Kevin Walter knew the offense would be fine from the moment T.J. Yates called his first play in the huddle last season.

Yates, a fifth-round draft pick in 2011, was an afterthought on Houston's roster until season-ending injuries to Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart thrust him into the starting role. The former North Carolina star promptly guided the Texans to victories in his first two starts, including a division-clinching win at Cincinnati.

Two weeks into training camp, Schaub is healthy again and Yates is content to be back in a reserve role for Houston. The Texans open the preseason at Carolina on Saturday.