Full Breakdown
Graham Mertz’s Likely ACL Tear Shakes Houston Texans’ Quarterback Depth
8/14/2026, 7:50:52 PM
Core Event
During the Houston Texans’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, second-year quarterback Graham Mertz left the field after his knee buckled on a non-contact play. Team officials said they suspect a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and indicated that further medical testing would be required to confirm the diagnosis. If the injury is confirmed, it would end Mertz’s 2026 season before it began.
Background & Context
Mertz was selected by Houston in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft (197th overall) with the expectation that he would serve as the third quarterback behind starter C.J. Stroud and veteran backup Davis Mills. He missed the 2025 regular season after spending his rookie year on the injured list. The quarterback’s college career was also marred by an ACL tear suffered during his senior season at the University of Florida, which limited his final collegiate campaign to five games. Prior to the preseason injury, Mertz had not appeared in a regular-season NFL game.
Data & Statistics
- Mertz’s preseason stat line before exiting: 4 completions on 7 attempts for 23 yards, with a longest pass of 6 yards.
- Davis Mills, who re-entered the game after Mertz’s injury, finished 9-of-15 for 82 yards and recorded a touchdown.
- The Texans entered the game with three quarterbacks on the depth chart; after Mertz’s departure they were left with only Stroud and Mills.
- The team does not currently have a third quarterback on its active roster and is expected to seek an addition before the next preseason matchup.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach DeMeco Ryans said the team was “still undergoing tests” after the 27-7 loss and expressed concern that Mertz could miss an extended period of time. ESPN reporter Adam Schefter reported that the Texans “believe” Mertz suffered a torn ACL. The organization indicated that additional testing was scheduled for the following day to verify the injury.
Why It Matters
If Mertz’s ACL tear is confirmed, the Texans will lose their designated third quarterback for the entire season. This forces the coaching staff to either operate with only two quarterbacks on the active roster or to acquire one or more replacements before the regular season begins. The depth-chart shift also increases the workload on Davis Mills and could affect the team’s preparation for upcoming preseason games.
What’s Next
- Medical evaluation: Additional testing is slated for Friday to determine whether Mertz’s ACL is torn.
- Roster moves: The Texans are expected to explore free-agent signings, trades, or practice-squad promotions to fill the vacant third-quarterback spot before their next preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Preseason schedule: The team has roughly a week before the Raiders matchup, providing a narrow window to assess Mertz’s status and make any necessary roster adjustments.
