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Texans’ Graham Mertz tears ACL, out for season

8/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Houston Texans quarterback Graham Mertz (18) tore his ACL Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his 2026 season.
After completing four of seven passes for 23 yards, the 197th overall 2025 draft pick was the third-string behind C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills.
With Mertz out, the Texans will likely keep only Stroud and Mills on the roster and must add a new signal-caller before the next preseason game.

History

Historical Context

After five MVP seasons, Peyton Manning missed the entire 2011 campaign with neck surgery, leaving the Indianapolis Colts—then in their 59th NFL season and under head coach Jim Caldwell—winless through 13 games and finishing 2-14. The disastrous year secured the league’s first overall pick, which the Colts used in 2012 to draft quarterback Andrew Luck, reshaping the franchise’s direction.

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Story summary

Houston Texans quarterback Graham Mertz (18) tore his ACL Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his 2026 season.
After completing four of seven passes for 23 yards, the 197th overall 2025 draft pick was the third-string behind C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills.
With Mertz out, the Texans will likely keep only Stroud and Mills on the roster and must add a new signal-caller before the next preseason game.

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