Texans second-year quarterback Graham Mertz likely tore his ACL during Thursday’s preseason opener, ESPN reported.
A sixth-round draft pick in 2025, Mertz sustained a knee injury during a scramble late in the second quarter. Before leaving, he completed 4 of 7 passes for 23 yards in the 27-7 loss to the visiting Los Angeles Chargers.
Mertz, 25, is No. 3 on the depth chart behind starter C.J. Stroud and veteran backup Davis Mills. He is expected to undergo additional testing Friday to confirm the ACL tear, which would be a season-ending injury.
Mertz spent most of his rookie season on the injured list. He dealt with a leg injury during his senior season at Florida.
Mertz, who played at Wisconsin (2019-22) and Florida (2023-24), did not appear in a regular season game in 2025.