Houston Texans sign QB Brett Rypien after Graham Mertz injury

The Houston Texans have signed veteran quarterback Brett Rypien to their roster following a season-ending injury to Graham Mertz. Mertz, a sixth-round pick from the 2025 draft, suffered a torn ACL during the team’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Rypien, 30, joins the depth chart as the third-string quarterback behind starter C. J. Stroud and veteran backup Davis Mills. Rypien has previous NFL experience with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, and Indianapolis Colts. He previously worked with Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley during their time with the Rams.

Mertz is expected to undergo surgery and will be sidelined for the duration of the season. The injury occurred during a scramble in the second quarter of the preseason game.