Rypien Joins Texans as Mertz Faces Season-Ending Setback
Texans Secure Veteran Quarterback Following Injury Crisis
The Houston Texans have officially added experienced quarterback Brett Rypien to their roster. This signing comes as a direct response to the critical injury sustained by fellow quarterback Graham Mertz, who has been placed on the season-ending injured reserve list. The team moved swiftly to ensure adequate depth at the crucial quarterback position after Mertz's diagnosis.
Mertz's Season Concludes Prematurely Due to ACL Tear
Just two days prior to these roster changes, Graham Mertz suffered a torn ACL during the Texans' preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury occurred during their 27-7 defeat at home, forcing Mertz to exit the game early and ultimately ending his season before it truly began. This marks a significant blow for the young quarterback's development and the team's depth.
Rypien Steps Into Third-String Quarterback Role
With his acquisition, the 30-year-old Brett Rypien is now positioned as the third-string quarterback for the Texans. He will support starting quarterback C.J. Stroud and veteran backup Davis Mills, providing an experienced presence in the quarterback room. Rypien's role will be crucial in ensuring the team has options in case of further injuries or performance issues.
Rypien's NFL Journey and Collegiate Achievements
Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019, Rypien has accumulated four starts across his career. His journey has included stints with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Cincinnati Bengals, during which he has thrown for 950 yards, four touchdowns, and nine interceptions over 11 games. Before his professional career, Rypien was a standout at Boise State, where he set the Mountain West career passing yardage record with 13,578 yards. He also carries a notable NFL lineage as the nephew of Super Bowl XXVI MVP Mark Rypien.
Mertz's Continuing Injury Struggles and Collegiate Background
Graham Mertz, a sixth-round draft selection in 2025, sustained his knee injury late in the second quarter of the recent preseason game while scrambling. Prior to his exit, he had completed 4 of 7 passes for 23 yards. The 25-year-old spent much of his rookie year on the injured list, having also dealt with a leg injury during his final year at Florida. Mertz's collegiate career included time at both Wisconsin (2019-22) and Florida (2023-24), though he did not make a regular-season appearance in 2025.
