M.J. Stewart's Season-Ending Injury Impacts Texans' Defense

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced that starting safety M.J. Stewart will require season-ending quad surgery. This injury is a significant setback for the Texans, who currently boast the number one defense in the NFL.

Stewart played a crucial role in the secondary, particularly after the release of former free agent signee C.J. Gardner-Johnson in week four. In his nine appearances this season, which included four starts, Stewart accumulated 228 defensive snaps and 102 on special teams.

He recorded 30 tackles, two pass deflections, and forced one fumble, all while allowing a passer rating of 102.1 against him. His PFF grade was 49.7, indicating that while he wasn't perfect, his contributions were vital to the team's success.

Stewart had been signed to a one-year, $2.5 million extension earlier this year, solidifying his role as an integral part of the Texans' defensive scheme under Ryans. The report indicates that after Stewart's injury during the Week 10 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, cornerback Myles Bryant was moved into the starting safety position.

Bryant, recently elevated from the practice squad, has experience playing in the Texans’ system, but will need to adapt quickly to fill Stewart's role. Additionally, starting safety Jalen Pitre was inactive for that game, and the team had to adjust their defensive formations accordingly.

Other players such as rookie Jaylen Reed, cornerback Damon Arnette, and veteran safety Jalen Mills may also see increased responsibilities in Stewart's absence. Safety Jimmie Ward is still on the Reserve/PUP list but is expected to be ready to practice soon.

The Texans are facing injury challenges as quarterback C.J. Stroud, right tackle Tytus Howard, and Pitre remain in concussion protocol, which puts additional pressure on the team's depth as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans.

Analysts are closely watching how the Texans will adjust defensively and which players will step up to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Texans' fans are wishing M.J. Stewart a speedy recovery as they navigate this critical juncture in their season.