Texans HC DeMeco Ryans said Graham Mertz suffered a torn ACL in Thursday’s preseason game against the Chargers.

15 August 2026

This one was expected after the team said it feared Mertz suffered a torn ACL shortly after the game. Mertz joined the Texans as a rookie UDFA in 2025. He made the roster as the team’s third-string QB but did not attempt a pass. He will now be placed on injured reserve, ending his 2026 season. In a corresponding move, the Texans signed veteran QB Brett Rypien to the roster.