RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Graham Mertz suffered an apparent injury in the Texans' preseason opener against the Chargers. Getty
Graham Mertz #18 of the Houston Texans throws a pass against the Detroit Lions. Getty
The Houston Texans are navigating their first injury issue as a direct result of preseason play, with Graham Mertz forced from the opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Mertz took over for starter Davis Mills.
Mertz is a second-year former draft pick. He was in line for a significant workload in preseason Week 1 and, likely, beyond just the Chargers game. Now, the Texans could need to explore outside options for their short-handed QB room.
Texans’ Graham Mertz Goes Down With Injury vs. Chargers
Getty Graham Mertz is dealing with an apparent injury.
Mertz suffered an apparent knee injury while scrambling on a third-and-14 just before halftime. He slammed his helmet on the turf before walking off under his own power.
“#Texans rookie quarterback Graham Mertz grabbed his right knee,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported in a post on X following the injury that preceded a 61-yard field goal attempt from Chris Freeman . “Appears to be in pain, and frustrated.”
#Texans third quarterback Graham Mertz walks off field after grabbing knee following scramble @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/JgU5fbjvmI
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 14, 2026
That sentiment was prevalent as uncertainty abounded following the injury.
“The Texans currently do not have a 4th quarterback if Graham Mertz is dealing with an injury that keeps him out of the 2nd half,” Sleeper’s Jacob Barzilla posted on X. “It would either be Davis Mills or wild cat the rest of the way.”
Mills was already pulled from the contest, and he is the primary backup for starter C.J. Stroud , who is not dressed for the game.
The Texans indeed had Mills throwing ahead of the second half, reinserting him at QB.
The Texans are one snap away from being forced to turn to their emergency quarterback. At that point, their offense could look like something from a bygone era in terms of leaning on a backfield that is also banged up.
This story will be updated.
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